The Striker Hunt: Delap Emerges as Priority Target

Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of Ipswich Town's 22-year-old striker Liam Delap, with Daily Mail reporting preliminary discussions among the Old Trafford hierarchy. The £40 million relegation release clause in Delap's contract makes him an attractive option should Ipswich (currently 12 points from safety) drop to the Championship.

• Competition: Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle also monitoring the situation.
• Profile: Son of ex-Stoke midfielder Rory Delap, the young forward combines physicality (1.88m) with 12 Championship goals this season.
• Tactical Fit: Amorim's system demands a high-pressing focal point – Delap averages 1.2 key tackles/interceptions per 90 (WhoScored).

Playmaker Pursuit: Eze in Crosshairs

Per TEAMtalk, United face Tottenham in a £60m battle for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze (26), who dazzled in Palace's FA Cup quarterfinal win (1 goal, 1 assist).

• Amorim's Blueprint: The Portuguese manager sees Eze as ideal for his fluid 3-4-3, capable of operating as a false nine or advanced midfielder.
• Stats: 8 goal contributions in last 10 appearances, 2.3 dribbles completed per game (Premier League).

Other Key Transfer Updates

1. Arsenal: Targeting Real Sociedad's Martín Zubimendi (£50m release clause) as midfield reinforcement (Fabrizio Romano).
2. Barcelona/Bayern: Cooling interest in Lille's free-agent striker Jonathan David, favoring West Ham/Inter/Juve.
3. Atlético Madrid: Monitoring Spurs' Cristian Romero, though Tottenham firmly oppose a sale.

Tactical Implications for United

• Delap-Eze combo could provide 20+ goal threat to address United's chronic scoring issues (45 goals in 29 PL games – 7th lowest).
• Financial Fair Play considerations: Both deals may require player sales, with Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial potentially exiting.