Victor Osimhen has been heavily linked with Manchester United, who desperately need a new striker.
Now, David Ornstein has provided a significant update on the rumours – and at the same time reveals the club’s number one goal in the upcoming transfer window.
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Manchester United’s disastrous season requires new reinforcements, but it also creates limitations.
With 14th place in the Premier League and heading for their worst season ever, United are expected to be very active in the summer transfer window. A number of strikers have been linked with the club, including Osimhen and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, as well as Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig).
But according to Ornstein, United’s plans look completely different.
Osimhen not on United’s radar
On Wednesday, ahead of Arsenal’s game against Crystal Palace, The Athletic’s football correspondent claimed that Osimhen – currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli – is not “on the agenda” for United.
Instead, Liam Delap from Ipswich Town is the club’s number one target. The 21-year-old has scored 12 goals in 31 appearances for the newly promoted Championship club in his Premier League debut. (which is now relegated again)
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£30 million clause is activated on relegation
Ipswich paid £20 million to Manchester City to sign Delap permanently last summer, but is only likely to earn £10 million from a resale, as he has a £30 million release clause that will become active if Ipswich are relegated. With five games left, the team is 15 points below the line.
City profits from any sale
If United or other clubs pay £30 million for Delap, Manchester City will receive £6 million of the sum, as they have a 20% resale clause in the deal when they sold him.
Cunha rejects speculation
Matheus Cunha has also been linked with United, but he responded to the rumours with an Instagram message in which he wrote: “Too much talk.”
Surprising reversal
This marks a significant strategic change on United’s part. Instead of an established star striker like Osimhen, they seem to be betting on a young, promising talent in Delap.
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