Manchester United’s transfer strategy: Osimhen rumours dismissed – Delap is the main target
Claims that Manchester United have made a deal to sign a high-profile striker turn out not to happen. Athletic journalist David Ornstein has confirmed who the club is actually chasing instead.
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Manchester United’s main focus in this transfer window is to strengthen their weak attack. According to reports, Ruben Amorim believes that the lack of a reliable and efficient striker is the single biggest problem he has inherited in the squad.
The club also want to strengthen their attacking midfield positions and have made progress in trying to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton.
Cunha on his way to Old Trafford?
The Red Devils have had very positive talks with the Brazilian, who could be bought out for a £62.5 million clause. The Daily Mail claims that United intend to trigger the clause, and according to Goal Brasil, personal terms have now been agreed.
Osimhen rumors dismissed
But today’s update is about who will play ahead of Cunha – and two separate reports previously claimed that it would be Victor Osimhen. Turkish reporter Serdar Ali Celikle claimed that the 26-year-old “has signed for Manchester United for next season”.
This was followed up by AfricaFoot, who wrote: “An agreement has already been signed between Osimhen and Manchester United with a view to a transfer in the summer of 2025, according to information from a source in his closest circle.”
Manchester United’s first priority should now be Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, not three times more expensive Victor Osimhen
Ornstein confirms: Delap is the main target
According to David Ornstein in conversation with NBC Sports, Osimhen is not even a player United are interested in.
“In terms of the striker position, Liam Delap from Ipswich Town is their main target,” Ornstein explained.
“But there are many other clubs that are interested in him, including Chelsea. I think Liam Delap will make a decision about his future before the U21 European Championship.
“If Manchester United are going to look at other options, I can assure you that it will not be Victor Osimhen. Despite reports you may have read, he is not on United’s agenda.
“They will have other options if they have to, or they can continue with internal solutions such as Rasmus Højlund and focus on other positions.
The battle for Liam Delap
As mentioned, Delap is expected to leave Ipswich this summer, and if the relegation is confirmed, he could be signed for just £30 million.
This low price tag has generated a lot of interest, with The Athletic previously reporting that over half of Premier League clubs are considering a deal.
The match has previously appeared to be between Manchester United and Chelsea, but TEAMtalk can confirm that Newcastle have now also come into the picture.
According to our sources, Eddie Howe has personally spoken to Delap, and the discussions between the player’s representatives and Newcastle were positive.
Still, United could have an advantage: they can guarantee Delap a starting spot.
Unless Howe switches to a second-defender, Delap will be the back-up for Alexander Isak at Newcastle. However, with Rasmus Hojlund reported available for sale after a disappointing season, Delap will immediately become Ruben Amorim’s first choice at the top at United.
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Thus, it seems that United have a clear advantage in the battle for the young striker.
