Manchester United is gearing up for a competitive summer transfer window as they set their sights on Liam Delap, who is currently valued at approximately £40 million. The young striker’s situation becomes more intriguing with the impending relegation of his current club, Ipswich Town, which has experienced difficulties this season alongside Southampton and Leicester City. Reports from the Daily Mail indicate that while there is speculation regarding Delap’s future, a return to Manchester City appears less likely given his aspirations for consistent first-team football, which he may not readily find at City due to the established presence of Erling Haaland.
Delap’s departure from Manchester City last summer was facilitated by a £20 million deal that included a buyback option for City, reportedly valued at about £40 million. However, the likelihood of City exercising this option seems low, especially as Delap expresses a desire for regular playing time. In the context of potential transfer negotiations, it’s worth noting that Manchester City included a 20% sell-on clause in Delap’s contract upon his move to Ipswich, meaning United could incur an additional cost of around £8 million if they secure Delap’s transfer.
Moreover, United’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, has prior experience working with Delap during their time together at Manchester City, potentially giving United an advantage in understanding the player’s capabilities and ambitions. However, the competition remains fierce as clubs such as Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Chelsea have also reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the promising England international, who has already made strides at the Under-21 level.
In another notable transfer development, David Beckham’s Inter Miami has their eyes on Manchester City’s midfield superstar Kevin De Bruyne. According to the Mirror, Inter Miami is preparing to launch a serious attempt to recruit the talented 33-year-old once he concludes his long and successful stint at Manchester City. With his contract concluding at the end of the season and his recent announcement regarding his departure, De Bruyne is set to become a free agent this summer.
Inter Miami has been closely monitoring De Bruyne’s situation, and it is understood that Beckham and the club’s management are eager to present an appealing contract to the midfield maestro. Securing De Bruyne would undoubtedly be a significant victory for Inter Miami and a monumental moment for the MLS as a whole. However, the club does face formidable competition from the lucrative Saudi Pro League, which has actively pursued top players in recent transfer windows.
De Bruyne had previously entertained the thought of moving to Saudi Arabia last summer and weighed his options before deciding to remain with City for what became his final season. This context adds layers to the potential transfer scenario, indicating that although Miami is keen, the player’s considerations on competing at a high level could influence his decision.
In a different development, Southampton is facing its own managerial challenges following its relegation from the Premier League. Danny Rohl, currently in charge at Sheffield Wednesday, has emerged as the leading candidate to fill the managerial vacancy at Southampton after Ivan Juric was dismissed upon confirmation of the club’s drop to the Championship. As the club conducts a thorough search for a new manager, Simon Rusk and Southampton’s own Adam Lallana have temporarily taken charge until the end of the season.
Johannes Spors, the club’s new technical director and previous colleague of Rohl at RB Leipzig, is spearheading the hunt for Juric’s permanent successor. Meanwhile, Lallana, who at 36 is still an active player at Southampton, is contemplating a shift into management and coaching, which could occur alongside Rusk during their tenure in charge.
Rohl is not the only name on Southampton’s radar; Liam Rosenior, who has found success at Strasbourg, also figures into their considerations. Rosenior’s impressive run in Ligue 1, where he has led his team into contention for Champions League qualification, has garnered him attention but also poses a challenge for Southampton as Rosenior’s current club aims to retain his services amid rising interest from England. Notably, Rosenior’s prior management experience in the Championship adds to his qualifications, establishing a competitive environment as Southampton seeks to rebuild in the wake of relegation.