Whitwell names Man Utd’s ‘plausible’ forward target as 22-y/o PL frontman tipped to ‘emulate’ Harry Kane

Stretty News

·13. Februar 2025

Whitwell names Man Utd’s ‘plausible’ forward target as 22-y/o PL frontman tipped to ‘emulate’ Harry Kane

Contrary to recent reports doing the rounds – and much to Manchester United fans’ dismay – it looks as though a move for Viktor Gyokeres is highly unlikely this summer.

The Sweden international, according to The Athletic, is said to be prioritising a transfer to a Champions League side, and while United could earn their spot in next season’s campaign through Europa League success, they’re certainly not the favourites as things stand.

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As such, INEOS chiefs have been scouring the market for alternative options to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks amid Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund’s stagnant form, with the forwards yet to add to their Premier League account since the turn of the year.

Laurie Whitwell claims a ‘more plausible target’ than Gyokeres is Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who signed from Manchester City in a £20 million deal last July, during which the Blues inserted a £40m buyback clause into his exit terms.

Look ahead to big issue for #MUFC come summer: striker. Viktor Gyokeres regarded as unlikely, but Liam Delap fits bill + may be affordable if relegated. Chelsea in touch with Ipswich + City have £40m buyback. Ruben Amorim wants running in-behind ⬇️
– Donnerstag, 13. Februar 2025

United join Chelsea in Delap race

Delap has outscored both of United’s strikers this season. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Delap’s prospective price tag will ultimately boil down to Ipswich’s Premier League status come the end of the term. They currently sit 19th-placed, and given the interest he’s already garnering, will know that the prospect of keeping their 22-year-old starlet is getting slimmer by the week.

A U21 England international, Delap has previously been hailed as a centre-forward who could ‘emulate’ Harry Kane – according to pundit Danny Murphy.

Elsewhere, United have also sent scouts to monitor Bryan Mbeumo on numerous occasions, most recently during Brentford’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the beginning of February.

Mbeumo is not an out-and-out No.9, as proven by the fact the majority of his appearances have come on the right wing, though he has been deployed centrally in five matches – albeit alongside another attacking counterpart.