Manchester United set to owe Man City millions after 'talks held' for £40m-rated striker ahead of summer transfer window

Manchester City could benefit financially from Manchester United's summer business after a special clause in one of their transfer target's contract was revealed.

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee not doing the business up top and United heavily relying on Bruno Fernandes for goals, United look set to make a new striker a priority signing in the summer.

The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Hugo Etikeke have been heavily linked with the 13-time Premier League winners, who will look to make funds available by getting rid of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

But a new report from the Daily Mail claims that they have held internal discussions about the prospect of signing another striker.

Ipswich Town's Liam Delap has attracted plenty of interest after an impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League, where he's scored 10 goals for a side lurched in the relegation zone.

There have been conversations at United about Delap, who came through the City academy when it was overseen by Jason Wilcox prior to his move to Old Trafford to become technical director.

But there is also interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and former club City, who are said to have a buyback option.

City's clever clause

However, City also inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause in Delap's £20 million permanent deal to Ipswich.

And with Delap said to have a release clause of around £40 million should Ipswich be sent straight back down to the Championship, City would therefore be entitled to £8 million for a player who was with the club for five years between 2019 and 2024.

The England Under 21 international played just six times for the first-team, scoring on his debut against Bournemouth in 2020.

Liam Delap poses for a picture with England captain Harry Kane. Image: Getty

But while he could not force his way into the City side and left pastures new after multiple loans, Pep Guardiola has been delighted by his performances this season.

"He’s doing really well,” Guardiola said in his press conference back in January.

“Many players came up from this academy. They are set up perfectly in the Premier League.

“When he was here, always we thought he was a typical striker for the Premier League. He’s doing really well and we’re happy for him.”