Manchester United make England striker their 'top target' over Osimhen

Manchester United have named England striker Liam Delap as their top target during the summer transfer window.

Delap, 22, has scored 12 goals for Ipswich Town this season despite the team’s seeming destiny for Premier League relegation, making him the club’s top target as they search for a reliable goal scorer.

Due to his two top-flight assists, Delap has been directly involved in 14 of Ipswich’s 31 goals overall.

The deal he signed when he joined from Manchester City for £20 million last July is believed to contain a relegation release clause worth almost £40 million.

According to the Daily Mali, Man City has a £20 million buyback option for Delap, but they are not likely to exercise it this summer.

Their true first-choice number nine is Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush, who joined in January, is filling in while the Norwegian is injured.

Given that Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United team has only scored 37 goals in 31 league games, Delap would receive regular first-team football at United.

The Portuguese coach has managed 25 goals in 20 Premier League games since taking over in November.

Both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have only scored three goals apiece in the league for Manchester United this season, with Bruno Fernandes leading the team in the Premier League with eight goals.

Only three players have more goals than Hojlund and Zirkzee: Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho.

Manchester United hopes that including Delap in the mix will boost their attack. The England under-21 international deal has a 20% sell-on clause, so City would gain approximately £8 million if he were to join the Red Devils.

Delap made six first-team appearances and scored one goal during his five years with the Citizens. Jason Wilcox, the technical director of United, was a City employee at one point and is familiar with the player.

However, with several Premier League teams reportedly interested, including Chelsea, Newcastle, and Liverpool, the deal won’t be easy. A move for 26-year-old Osimhen might become possible if Delap moves.

The Nigerian international is anticipated to depart from Napoli, and United may use Garnacho or Hojlund as leverage in any negotiations to lower his fee. Osimhen is now on loan in Turkey, where he has made 32 appearances for Super Lig leaders Galatasaray across all competitions, tallying 28 goals and dishing out five assists.