Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has received a glowing endorsement from Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer, who is convinced he would improve both Chelsea and Manchester United. The 22-year-old, who will have a £40million release clause if Ipswich suffer relegation, is primed to make a heavyweight switch this summer.
United have reportedly identified Delap as their priority striker target, viewing him as more affordable than other options, including Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen. He has been on INEOS’ radar previously. According to the Telegraph, Ligue 1 club OGC Nice were eyeing a deal to sign Delap from Manchester City in the summer of 2023.
However, the INEOS-owned outfit chose a slightly older option in Terem Moffi, which has proven to be a successful decision.
Delap, instead, spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Hull City in the Championship before joining Ipswich in a £20m move last summer.
Kieran McKenna’s side appear destined for relegation, but Delap’s exploits have caught the eye, scoring 12 Premier League goals this season.
Bruno Fernandes is United’s top goalscorer with eight strikes, while No. 9 Rasmus Hojlund has managed just three.
The England Under-21 international is reportedly between the Old Trafford hierarchy’s crosshairs, and Shearer believes he’s ready for a big move.
“Delap has stood out this season, which unfortunately means that he will attract the attention of the big clubs,” Shearer told Betfair.
“It’s going to be very difficult for Ipswich to keep hold of him, particularly because if, as expected, they’re going to get relegated.
“Having had a taste of the Premier League, he won’t want to go back to the Championship.
“He’ll want to stay in the big league, so it’s going to be very difficult for Ipswich to keep hold of him. If they go down, then he won’t want to stay.
“Who would want to go down and play in the Championship, having had a taste of Premier League football? That’s only natural.”
The Newcastle United legend has backed Delap to arrive at one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs and establish himself quickly.
He added: “Big clubs will be looking at him because I think he’s got something about him. He’s got an arrogance about him, which I really like and he’s got an aura.
“He’s better than anything Man United have got up front. He’s also better than anything Chelsea have got up front, so the answer is simple – yes, he would start for those clubs.
“I think the good sign is that he’s done really well in a struggling team and has, without a doubt, been the standout.
“They’ll do well to keep hold of him and Ipswich fans will not want to hear that! They’ll probably get angry hearing that, but that’s the reality, unfortunately.”
