INEOS will be looking to bolster Ruben Amorim’s frontline as soon as the transfer window opens.
It’s imperative that Manchester United finish the summer and head into 2025/2026 with at least one prolific striker added to the squad, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee currently the only recognised centre-forwards at Amorim’s disposal – although the latter has revealed he views himself as more of a ‘9.5’ due to his desire to drop back and link up play in attacks.
Here, we take a look at a few of the names that have been strongly linked with Old Trafford switches in recent weeks.
Liam Delap
The Ipswich Town talisman is widely expected to depart Portman Road at the end of the season after only one year at the club, with the side’s impending relegation to the Championship meaning he can leave for a cut-price fee of only £30 million – a year after his £20m transfer from Manchester City – in what poses as an unmissable deal, like those on the best football betting sites.
Delap, 22, has notched a hugely impressive 12 goals in his first term as a Premier League starter, making it no surprise he’s attracting interest from almost every team in the division.
United are thought to be favourites in the race to secure his signature. However, their pursuit could hinge on whether they’re successful in the Europa League and therefore book a spot in next season’s Champions League campaign.
Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike’s profile fits the bill of INEOS’ desired signings: young, clinical and relatively proven at a top level.
A product of Reims’ academy, the U21 French international spent a year on loan with Paris Saint-Germain before being loaned to Eintracht Frankfurt in February 2024. Two months later, the buy option in his loan agreement was activated, and he signed for the Bundesliga outfit permanently in a €16.5m deal.
He has netted 21 goals and contributed nine assists in 43 appearances this season.
Benjamin Sesko
Another in-demand Bundesliga whiz, Sesko was one of the major talking points of the 2024 summer window – until he decided to commit his future to RB Leipzig by signing a five-year deal.
Yet, it’s thought a gentleman’s agreement was included in the terms, allowing Sesko to leave for a reduced fee of £60m either this summer or next – despite Leipzig valuing him in the region of £80m.
United’s Director of Recruitment Christopher Vivell flew to Germany last weekend to watch the Slovenian in action during his side’s 3-2 win over Wolfsburg, though rumoured Red Devils target Xavi Simons stole the show by scoring a brace to seal the victory.
