Man Utd striker target who Alan Shearer says has ‘aura’ prefers move to Arsenal or Chelsea

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces an uphill battle if he is to convince Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to join the club this summer, according to a report.

United are desperate to bolster their centre forward options in the summer after a difficult season which has seen the team scored just 38 goals and counting in the league this year, making them the fifth lowest team in the division ahead of only West Ham, Everton, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton.

The Red Devils lack of potency in front of goal has been central to the team’s drop off in recent years, with the club’s sole hope of qualifying for Europe now being completely reliant on their performance in the Europa League.

Why Man Utd want Liam Delap

The Daily Star reports that the Red Devils are determined to sign a top level forward that can turn the team’s fortunes around.

The outlet explains Amorim turned to Delap when he learned that the club couldn’t afford the £80m asking price inserted into Viktor Gyokeres contract after his amazing campaign with Sporting. Manchester World understands Delap is the club’s prime target heading into the summer.

Gyokeres is one of the most feared strikers in world football of late. He’s strong, holds the ball up well, scores all types of goals and is exceptional in the air. These are qualities that Delap also has at his disposal while being four years younger and experienced in the Premier League while also having a release clause of just £30m if the Tractor Boys are relegated which at this stage looks imminent.

Delap has scored 12 goals in 31 matches for a team that provides little service and is viewed by the league’s All-time leading scorer Alan Shearer as a striker that can go right to the top.

The Newcastle icon said: “He's got an arrogance about him, which I really like and he's got an aura. He's already been linked with a number of clubs in the Premier League and looking at who he's been linked with I think he can go in and command a starting role, because he's better than anything Man United have got up front.”

Man Utd could miss out on Liam Delap

A number of outlets claim the Red Devils have concrete interest in bringing Liam Delap to the Theatre of Dreams, but the Daily Star suggests United could be fighting a losing battle, with the player said to have doubts about playing for the fallen giants.

The ex- Man City prospect has reportedly made it clear he wants to play for a team competing in a European competition next term, with London heavyweights Arsenal and Chelsea being the main candidates to get a deal done.

Delap is understood to be keen on breaking into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad and is said to view a top European club as the best way to realise that ambition ahead of the World Cup in 2026.

United could still qualify for Europe by winning the Europa League and will be keen to convince the 22-year-old that they have the vision of going back to the big time after two dismal seasons.

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