Rio: INEOS need to ‘forget’ priority forward target and sign player who can ‘take pressure off’ Hojlund | OneFootball

Rio Ferdinand has urged INEOS to abandon their pursuit of Liam Delap and instead target a more experienced alternative.

As it stands, the Ipswich Town talisman is Manchester United’s first-choice centre-forward signing heading into the summer window – above the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen.

The Tractor Boys’ relegation to the Championship has now activated Delap’s £30 million release clause, which would’ve been £40m had they somehow retained their place in the top flight. Alas, negotiations to get a deal over the line should be relatively straightforward.

How has Delap fared this season?

The 2024/2025 campaign marked Delap’s first as a regular starter, having made the move to Ipswich from Manchester City in a £20m transfer last summer.

He has enjoyed a stellar personal term amidst the side’s turbulent campaign at Portman Road, notching 12 goals and two assists in the 33 appearances he’s made thus far.  In comparison, Rasmus Hojlund, United’s current No.9, has found the back of the net only four times in 29 league matches this season.

The race for Delap – and who’s currently involved

Delap hit the ground running in front of goal this term. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

It’s previously been reported that almost every club in the division would welcome the England U21 starlet to their ranks, although the two sides leading the race are Chelsea and United – the latter of which have been deemed favourites, as things stand.

What may go against them later down the line, however, is that Delap is said to be adamant about playing European football at his next club, which the Red Devils can only offer if they reign victorious in the Europa League come May 21.

Surprisingly, Ferdinand is of the belief that United shouldn’t even be pursuing the 22-year-old in the first place. Instead, he reckons they should acquire a prolific goalscorer who boasts a plethora of experience across the top divisions – presumably someone like Osimhen.

“Forget Delap’s ability, potential, whatever you want to say about him. His quality as a player – it’s not about that right now for Man United,” the ex-Red expressed on his YouTube channel.

“I think they need experience in there; someone who knows how to score and someone that these younger guys can learn from.

“Hojlund needs help, he doesn’t need a competitor. You need someone who can come in who he can go ‘listen take the pressure off me. You’re going to be the main guy. I’m going to learn a little bit in the background and take my chances when they come’.”

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