IPSWICH TOWN striker Liam Delap is reportedly attracting interest from some of England’s top clubs.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic start to life at Portman Road following his summer move from Manchester City.
In just 12 Premier League appearances for the newly-promoted side, Delap has managed seven goal contributions.
He played a crucial role in the club’s 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier this month, scoring once and providing the assist for Sammie Szmodics’ opener.
The striker is now widely considered one of the most exciting young prospects in the Prem.
Delap’s impressive form has attracted the attention of several clubs – including Manchester United and Chelsea.
But according to The Athletic, his former club could scupper a deal.
Man City generally insert buy-back clauses or matching rights into most sales, meaning they could have a huge say in the striker’s future.
Ipswich officials want to keep Delap at Portman Road for as long as possible.
However, they might struggle to do so – especially if they are relegated at the end of the campaign.
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Delap, the son of Prem cult hero Rory Delap, joined Man City’s academy from Derby County in 2019 and made his first team debut the following year.
He struggled to establish his spot in Pep Guardiola‘s squad and was subsequently sent on three separate loan spells to Stoke, Preston and Hull.
The striker joined Ipswich in a permanent deal worth up to £20million in July and penned a five-year contract.
BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy recently suggested he could be Harry Kane’s successor for England.
He said: “I’ve seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I’d probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane.
“I think he’s the best young English striker out there.
“I know he’s got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league.
“But he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.”
RUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.
But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.
Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:
VIKTOR GYOKERES
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Cost: £84million
Swede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.
Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.
GONCALO INACIO
Age: 23
Position: Defender
Cost: £50million
Ball-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.
Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.
MORTEN HJULMAND
Age: 25
Position: Midfield
Cost: £40million
Dane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.
He could be the man to replace Casemiro.
