Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim could hand Man City millions due to transfer clause

One of Ruben Amorim's first transfer acts as Manchester United manager could send millions in fresh money to rivals Manchester City.

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap in 2025. Delap, 21, has been in fierce form for the Tractor Boys since joining in the summer, leaving City with a deal potentially worth £20 million worth after he impressed. loaned to the championship.

The England U21 international split his 2022/23 season with spells at Stoke City and Preston before enjoying a breakthrough spell at Hull City last season. Delap has followed that up with six goals in his first 13 Premier League appearances under Kieran McKenna, sparking rumors of a new move next year.

It is understood that City have a buy-back clause upon first refusal to re-sign the striker, but they could also benefit if he moves elsewhere. That's thanks to a 20% sell-on clause in his current deal, guaranteeing Pep Guardiola's side a piece of the pie even if he joins a direct rival.

You would imagine that the player has significantly increased his rating after proving himself in the top flight this season. Delap – the son of former Stoke star Rory – had both goals as Ipswich beat Tottenham just before the final international break, scoring a brace in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa and the equalizer against Fulham.

Amorim got up close and personal with Delap as he made his England dugout debut at Portman Road, where United were held to a 1-1 draw. The Winchester-born talent came close to scoring with two shots on target, despite making just 17 touches against United; only Marcus Rashford (13) had fewer.

Speculations about interest in Delap have arisen just as Rasmus Hojlund has fled under Amorim. The Dane scored two and assisted another as United defeated Norway's Bodo/Glimt 3-2 on Thursday to earn their second win of the Europa League campaign.

Hojlund, 21, will be hoping to justify his £72m transfer fee by filling the same role Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed when playing under Amorim at Sporting CP. United also have striker players in Rashford and signed Joshua Zirkzee in the summer, but neither has been able to put together a run of consistent form this season.

It may be unlikely that City will exercise their buy-back clause to reunite with Delap as their striker position is taken into account. Erling Haaland is once again topping the Premier League goalscoring charts this season with 12 goals so far and is touted to sign a new top-flight contract with Etihad.

After getting a taste of the top lifestyle under McKenna, Delap won't want to settle for playing second fiddle should he move next year. But depending on his new value, United may have to indirectly hand their bitter enemies a significant sum if they want to get their hands on the player.