Man Utd could move for 22yo striker instead of French star after Ornstein hint, can be signed for £40m
Manchester United are likely to bolster their frontline during the summer transfer window.
A new striker could be pursued, but the transfer budget could be limited even if they qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.
Reputed journalist David Ornstein recently hinted that United may not make individual signings above £50 million.
The focus could be on younger talents costing lower transfer fees and salaries, who can develop into top players with increased transfer value.
With this in mind, we don’t see the Red Devils spending £67m to recruit French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt over the summer.
Instead, the club could consider a cheaper alternative. The Red Devils could swoop for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who could be available for around £40m.
The 22-year-old signed for the Tractor Boys from Manchester City for £20m last summer. He has proved a quality acquisition with 10 Premier League goals.
Delap is more of a traditional striker. He has caught the eye with his strong hold-up play and physical presence, which has unsettled many defences.
He has scored with around 17 percent of his shots which is more than reasonable.
His statistics may not be exceptional, but he should fare better with the Red Devils, who have created almost 50 percent more big chances than Ipswich.
United should have no trouble meeting the asking price, but arch-rivals City could act as a stumbling block, given they have a £40m buy-back option.
Pep Guardiola’s side may have regrets over selling Cole Palmer to Chelsea two yeas ago and could be tempted to re-sign Delap in the next transfer window.
United will hope that won’t be the case and City will take a profit instead. The Cityzens will receive 20 percent of the fee if Delap moves to another club.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com, Premierleague.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .