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United Weigh Up Alternatives After Delap Snub
Manchester United have been forced to reassess their striker shortlist following Liam Delap’s decision to reject a move to Old Trafford in favour of Chelsea. The Ipswich Town forward had been earmarked as United’s top centre-forward target heading into the summer, but it’s now clear that Champions League football was a key factor in his thinking. Chelsea, who activated Delap’s £30 million release clause, have secured the 21-year-old’s signature, leaving INEOS to revisit their plans.
Delap’s decision dealt a blow not only to United’s recruitment strategy but also to the club’s ability to attract emerging talent without the lure of European football. Despite holding positive discussions with the Red Devils, Delap ultimately opted for a Stamford Bridge switch, where he’ll reunite with Enzo Maresca. As reported by CaughtOffside, Manchester United are now exploring several alternative options. The shortlist includes Victor Osimhen, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Randal Kolo Muani, and Jonathan David – the latter expected to become a free agent after his Lille contract expires at the end of June.
Of those targets, Mateta stands out as the only player with proven Premier League pedigree, having been at Crystal Palace for five seasons. That aligns with INEOS’ transfer approach so far, which has focused heavily on players with English top-flight experience. Matheus Cunha is set to join, and the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Eberechi Eze and Emiliano Martinez have all been linked. Meanwhile, long-time United target Benjamin Šeško appears to be slipping out of reach, with Arsenal now in pole position to land the Slovenian forward from RB Leipzig. The Gunners may have to pay up to £75 million to trigger his release, though he remains under contract until 2029.
Liverpool Keeper Considered Perfect Fit, But Move Unlikely
Reinforcements between the sticks are also high on United’s agenda this summer, with both André Onana and Altay Bayındır falling short of expectations since joining in 2023. While several options have been explored – including Espanyol’s Joan García, Lille’s Lucas Chevalier, and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez – one name has emerged as an ideal solution: Caoimhín Kelleher.
According to ESPN’s Mark Ogden, the Liverpool No.2 would be the “perfect fit” for Ruben Amorim’s tactical needs, and is likely to be available for around £20 million. The Republic of Ireland international has impressed whenever called upon, deputising for Alisson with composure and consistency. Kelleher is understood to be eager for a move this summer, with the aim of becoming a first-choice keeper at another club. Despite being linked with Brentford, Ogden claims that Manchester United would represent a stronger proposition.
However, any transfer between Liverpool and United remains almost unthinkable. Even Ogden admitted that a move to Old Trafford is “virtually ruled out,” despite the player ticking every box United are looking for: a Premier League-proven, affordable, and ambitious goalkeeper ready to step into a starting role. With Kelleher unlikely, and Diogo Costa expected to replace Ederson at Manchester City, United’s search for a dependable shot-stopper looks set to continue into the window.
