Man Utd 'name top transfer target' as Sir Jim Ratcliffe decides on Ruben Amorim backing

Man Utd have reportedly identified their top transfer target in the summer transfer window.

Ruben Amorim is set to be backed by Man Utd

Manchester United have identified Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap as their priority transfer target this summer as Ruben Amorim prepares to address his misfiring attack, according to reports. The Red Devils will pursue a new goalscorer ahead of Amorim's first full season following a toothless campaign with a detrimental lack of goal threat.

Only five teams have plundered fewer goals than United's 37 in 31 Premier League games this term, including the abysmal bottom three. Rasmus Hojlund has managed just three league goals since inheriting the No.9 shirt, while Bruno Fernandes is the only player to have entered double figures in all competitions. Meanwhile, Delap boasts an impressive record while spearheading one of the English top flight's worst-performing sides.

The 22-year-old has scored 12 times in 30 league appearances since joining Ipswich from Manchester City in a £20million deal last year.

According to ESPN, United will rival Chelsea for Delap's signature this summer after pinpointing him as their top striker target.

The Old Trafford giants are said to view Delap as a more attractive solution to their goalscoring woes than Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko.

Gyokeres, in particular, has slipped from the forefront due to reservations over the finances involved in his potential signing, his age and his unproven Premier League record.

Liam Delap is having an impressive season.

The 26-year-old has a £85m release clause in his contract at Sporting, where he became one of Europe's most prolific strikers under Amorim after joining from Coventry City in 2023.

Delap, in comparison, has a £40m release clause in the likely event that Ipswich suffer relegation back down to the Championship.

It's claimed that Manchester City have the option to re-sign their academy striker for that fee.

However, Pep Guardiola is unlikely to pursue that option after splashing Omar Marmoush for £59m and tying Erling Haaland down to a nine-and-a-half-year contract in January.

It leaves a potential two-horse race for Delap unless Liverpool and Arsenal turn their focus towards the England Under-21 international in their search for a striker.

The report adds that United are in a position to financially back Amorim this summer after a series of ruthless budget cuts overseen by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The Portuguese head coach is also expected to target an energetic midfielder, a more advanced midfielder and a right-wing-back.

Delap appears to be at the top of his striker shortlist, though, but fierce competition from Chelsea and his former academy boss Enzo Maresca could force an alternative plan.