Manchester United have reportedly settled on Liam Delap as their number one striker target ahead of the likes of Victor Osimhen, David Ornstein has revealed.
United were beaten 1-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, with the Red Devils failing to score for the third time in four Premier League games.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund started up front but failed to make an impact, and having scored just three Premier League goals this term, it would be surprising if the club did not look to sign a new number nine.
However, while United have been credited with interest in Napoli forward Osimhen, journalist Ornstein has dismissed the reports and claimed that Ipswich Town's Delap is the side's preferred candidate, telling NBC Sports: "In the striker position, it's Liam Delap of Ipswich Town as their number one target.
"He has a £30m release clause if Ipswich are relegated. There are other suitors for him, including Chelsea. I think Liam Delap will decide before the European U21 Championships on where he wants to go. If Manchester United are to look at others, I'm assured it will not be Victor Osimhen despite reports you might be reading. He is not on the agenda for Manchester United."
United will reportedly have to watch their finances carefully in the summer, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe having implemented a series of unpopular cost-cutting measures.
© Imago
Is Delap's style assessed
Ipswich look certain to be relegated from the Premier League given they are in 18th place with just 21 points - 15 behind 17th-placed West Ham United - but Delap has managed to score 12 top-flight goals despite his team's struggles.
The 22-year-old is not only an adept target man capable of physically troubling the strongest opposition centre-backs, but he is also a willing runner.
Delap's ability to act as a focal point could hugely benefit United talisman Bruno Fernandes considering the attacking midfielder would be able to make the most of his incredible passing range by playing towards the striker, helping the Red Devils progress up the pitch faster.
© Imago
Are the Red Devils making a mistake with Osimhen?
United have scored just 38 league goals in 33 matches, and while Delap has shown immense promise at Ipswich, asking him to step up and lead the line at United would place immense pressure on the young forward.
Osimhen is 26 years old and has experienced trophy success during his time in Italy, winning the Serie A title and finishing as top scorer with 26 goals in 2022-23.
In each of his last four full seasons, the Nigerian's lowest goals and assists per 90 rate in the league was 0.73, and he averaged 0.82 last term.
Considering he is currently on loan at Galatasaray after falling out with his parent club, an opportunity may exist to strike a deal with Napoli.
It should also be noted that Napoli have been strongly linked with a move for United winger Alejandro Garnacho, so perhaps the Red Devils should look to use the Argentine as leverage in negotiations with the Italian club.
Lewis Nolan
