LIAM DELAP reportedly has a “preferred club” out of Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Ipswich Town striker is likely to be on the move this summer following his side’s relegation to the Championship.
Delap struck 12 Premier League goals after joining the Tractor Boys from Manchester City for £20million last summer.
And it’s reckoned Delap now has a release clause worth £30m, attracting serious interest from several sides.
United and Chelsea are thought to be the biggest hitters in the race, with both teams seeking firepower.
However, Delap is now said to favour one side over the other.
According to talkSPORT, the 22-year-old would prefer to join United.
It’s reckoned Delap has no qualms about pulling on the red jersey despite spending five years at rivals City, where he scored once in six appearances.
And he would love to return to his previous surroundings in the north west.
It remains to be seen if United come forward with a serious offer though.
The Red Devils already have Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the books, with one needing to leave to accommodate Delap’s arrival.
As for Chelsea, they remain confident of pulling off a deal after boss Enzo Maresca managed Delap in City’s youth sides.
It would also see the hitman link up with Cole Palmer once again.
While Romeo Lavia also played alongside Delap at the Etihad.
Chelsea boss Maresca has not been shy praising the forward.
Speaking ahead of last month’s 2-2 draw between the Blues and Ipswich, he said: “In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic. It’s not just in terms of his numbers. The way he plays and fights and is always ‘there’. But he’s an Ipswich player.
“He’s an enemy on Sunday because we need to beat them, and then after the game I wish him all the best for the future.”
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