Liam Delap transfer battle! Why Man Utd are set to rival Chelsea interest in 12-goal Ipswich striker as Red Devils turn away from Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko & Victor Osimhen

Delap joined newly promoted Premier League side Ipswich Town last summer from Manchester City for a reported £20 million ($25.7m) fee. While the Tractor Boys have struggled for form throughout the season and are likely to be relegated to the Championship, Delap has been a shining light as the striker has scored 12 Premier League goals. As a result, Chelsea have shown interest in signing him.

United have shown interest in rivalling Chelsea for the signing of Delap in the summer, and ESPN have now reported that Ruben Amorim's side have made him their first-choice centre-forward option. The report has suggested that Ipswich would be open to selling Delap for a fee of around £40m ($51.4m) if they get relegated this season. The Red Devils had been interested in other No.9s like Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen, however, they have now shifted their focus towards Delap, partly due to his lower transfer fee.

Manchester City also have the chance to re-sign Delap in the summer as they have first refusal having inserted a clause into their deal with Ipswich last summer. However, it is unlikely Pep Guardiola's side will exercise the option as they believe Delap would be behind Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush in the pecking order.

The England Under-21 striker is certain to change teams this summer if Ipswich are relegated to the Championship, as he will be determined to continue playing in the Premier League.