Manchester United set sights on 'outstanding' striker ahead of January transfer window

Manchester United face Everton on Sunday in Ruben Amorim’s first home league game in charge at Old Trafford. They drew 1-1 away at Ipswich Town at Portman Road last weekend.

The Red Devils then beat Bodo/Glimt 3-2 in the Europa League on Thursday night. Here is a look at some of the latest news and rumours coming out of the club....

Striker eyed

United are ‘watching’ Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap along with Premier League rivals Chelsea, according to a report by talkSPORT. They are reportedly keeping tabs on the attacker following his impressive start to the new season.

Delap, who is 21-years-old, has scores six goals so far in this campaign for the Tractor Boys under the guidance of Kieran McKenna. The England youth international joined the Suffolk club in the summer from Manchester City and hasn’t looked back since.

He would give would give the Red Devils more competition and depth up top if they were able to lure him to Old Trafford. He is under contract with Ipswich until 2029 after penning a long-term five-year contract and said at the time: “I’m really excited. I have heard so many good things about the feeling around the Club, and how the players and staff work. That’s exactly why I’m excited to be here. The Manager here likes to play exciting football. It’s quick and intense and I am looking forward to that. I want to bring goals and assists and I’ll work as hard as I can to help the team.”

McKenna added: “We are delighted to bring Liam to the Club. We think he is a player with the qualities to help the team this season but also to be an important player for the Club for many years to come.

“He is a player with outstanding physical and technical attributes who has a hunger to come here and continue to learn and improve. He has gained good first-team experience from a young age and we feel he has the potential for development here.”

Delap rose up through Derby County’s ranks before City signed him in 2019. He went on to make six appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side and was loaned out to Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City in the Championship to get some experience under his belt. He scored eight goals for the latter under their former boss Liam Rosenior before landing his Ipswich transfer.

Defender wanted

United are keen on a move for Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo, according to The Sun. Amorim has the chance to put his own stamp on his newly inherited squad in the upcoming January transfer window with some new faces.

The 22-year-old could be seen by the Red Devils as someone to tighten up their back line. He has potential to get better in the future and could be a useful long-term additions. However, as with any player from abroad, it may take him a while to adapt to life in England if they were to make the decision to try and get him this winter.