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      Man Utd hold face-to-face talks with £30million Liam Delap as transfer race for Ipswich striker ramps up

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly held face-to-face talks with Liam Delap over a £30million move from Ipswich.The striker, 22, has emerged as a top target for Ruben Amorim after banging in 12 Premier League goals this season.Man Utd have held face-to-face talks with Ipswich striker Liam DelapCredit: RexChelsea are also interested in snapping up Delap, who has an active £30m release clause following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.But the forward appears to be favouring an Old Trafford switch after holding direct talks with United chiefs.The Athletic reports Ipswich gave Delap permission to travel to Manchester after he came off the bench in Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Leicester.It allowed United the opportunity to sell their vision to the ex-Man City starlet.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the Red Devils are yet to make a formal offer for Delap as they focus on Wednesday’s Europa League final.United are also looking to strengthen their frontline with the signing of Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.And it’s believed a deal is close with Cunha all-but agreeing personal terms.Again, United are yet to meet the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut internally, they have decided to trigger it once the season comes to an end as Wolves brace for an official approach.A host of other top forwards also remain on United’s shortlist.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesViktor Gyokeres, who starred under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, and Victor Osimhen, on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, remain options for the No9 position.Meanwhile, Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo is still in contention for a supporting role in attack.But for now, it’s Delap and Cunha who are leading the way for United at a combined cost of £92.5m. More

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      Crystal Palace risk being gutted by Big Six after FA Cup fairtytale but Eze and Co should follow Vardy’s example

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      THERE’S one big problem with so-called footballing “fairytales”.Instead of “and they all lived happily ever after”, they tend to end with the words “and they all f***ed off to Big Six clubs”.Crystal Palace’s FA Cup heroes like Eberechi Eze risk being poached by the big six clubsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBut they should stay put at PalaceCredit: GettyThe day after the final we were given a reminder of football’s greatest fairytale merchant, Jamie VardyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBefore and after Crystal Palace lifted their first major trophy at Wembley on Saturday, those who inspired the club’s FA Cup triumph have been the subjects of a speculation avalanche about summer switches away from Selhurst Park.Boss Oliver Glasner is in pole position to take over a Tottenham team nowhere near as good as Palace, while Eberechi Eze has attracted the interest of Spurs and both Manchester clubs, all of whom have been beaten by the Eagles this season.Midfield man Adam Wharton is wanted by Liverpool, while skipper Marc Guehi could be holding out for a free transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona.These are the last things any Palace fan wants to read in the afterglow of victory over Manchester City — but it is the way of the footballing world, with its big, bad wolves.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMoney talks. The bigness of big clubs is big. And killjoy PSR regulations make it increasingly hard for smaller clubs to be upwardly mobile.Yet the day after Palace’s Wembley glory, we received a timely reminder of English football’s greatest fairytale merchant, Jamie Vardy.After their miraculous title success in 2016, Leicester were precisely where Palace are now — their euphoria troubled by rumblings from a traditional, self-entitled elite desperate to dismantle their team. N’Golo Kante immediately headed off to Chelsea, to be followed by his midfield partner Danny Drinkwater a year later.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRiyad Mahrez begged for a move but had to wait until 2018 before he was snapped up by Manchester City.Yet Vardy, the subject of a major bid from Arsenal in 2016, stayed put — claiming it was an easy decision to stay at Leicester.Dean Henderson gets emotional live on GMB over death of his dad after FA Cup triumphThe idea of rough-diamond Vardy working under the urbane Arsene Wenger would have represented an intriguing meeting of minds.But nine years later, there was Vardy, netting his 200th goal in his 500th and final match for the Foxes, treated to a guard of honour from the boys of 2016 and hailed as Leicester’s finest-ever player.Of course, it still wasn’t “happily ever after”. Leicester have been relegated for the second time in three years following a train-wreck  campaign.But Vardy’s achievements, since his £1million arrival from non-league Fleetwood in 2012, have been extraordinary. From the great escape, to a record 11-match Premier League scoring streak in the title campaign, to the Golden Boot in 2020 and the FA Cup in 2021. Vardy isn’t your classic romantic hero.Jane Austen never wrote about a bloke who played non-league football in a convict’s ankle tag, taunted opponents with incessant s***housery and thrived on a diet of Skittles, vodka and the tobacco product snus.Nicknamed Steptoe, due to his resemblance to an ancient TV rag-and-bone man, Vardy went from rags to riches and back to relative rags, due to his wife’s defeat in the Wagatha Christie court case. But in an age of here-today-gone-tomorrow transience in elite football, Vardy has been a glorious exception.He snubbed Arsenal, became the Foxes’ GOAT and, at 38, still operates with the speed of a thoroughbred racehorse.Of course, nobody should blame Eze, Wharton, Guehi or any of Palace’s Cup final heroes if they do jump ship.And certainly not Glasner, given the complete lack of loyalty shown to modern football managers.Claudio Ranieri, architect of Leicester’s 2016 success, was sacked nine months later —  in between two legs of a Champions League knockout match against Sevilla.When I recently asked Glasner whether Spurs would always be a bigger club than Palace, he insisted that they “inhabited a different world”.While Europa League nights at soulful Selhurst Park sound like a treat, the lure of a higher salary and higher expectations, in a world-class stadium feeds the egos of these men.Glasner may leave this summer, along with two or three of Palace’s best players, and that would be a shame — because it would be such a bleeding obvious thing to do.Vardy, meanwhile, is looking for another Premier League club. Palace might well see him as a more reliable back-up striker than Eddie Nketiah. And Vardy might see another fairytale opening up.Named n’ shamedEverton’s new Bramley Moore Dock stadium has been named after a law firmCredit: ReutersONE of the most depressing factors when a club moves to a new stadium, is that they are nearly all subject to “naming rights” deals.Take Everton’s new home — which has apparently been named after a law firm, rather than the farcical comedian Benny Hill and the orange-skinned antique dealer David Dickinson.English football ground names used to possess a certain romance — from Scunthorpe’s Old Show Ground to Shrewsbury’s Gay Meadow.There is nothing so poetic about the ‘Hill Dickinson Stadium’.Fans show they CairFulham fans will say their goodbyes to Tom Cairney this weekendCredit: Shutterstock EditorialWHEN Fulham face Manchester City at Craven Cottage on Sunday, both sets of supporters will say goodbye to a talismanic midfielder who arrived at his club ten years ago and led them to previously unscaled heights.And while Kevin De Bruyne wasn’t bad, the Fulham fans will be singing “ain’t nobody like Tom Cairney”.Glanville’s no puzzleEnglish footballer writer and author Brian Glanville has passed away at 93Credit: GettyBRIAN GLANVILLE, who has died aged 93, was a prolific journalist and author who was the doyen of our trade.And for all the great lines Glanville wrote, the words I remember best were ones he spoke at Loftus Road during a friendly between Trinidad & Tobago and Iceland in 2006.We were covering this bizarre fixture because England were due to play Trinidad at that year’s World Cup but the “action” was hardly gripping, so another esteemed writer turned his attention to the puzzle section of his newspaper.At which Glanville hollered: “Four letters beginning with ‘C’ — a bloke who does a crossword in a press box.”Esse option a tier jerkerRecruitment from the Championship for the likes of Romain Esse has worked wonders for PalaceCredit: GettyCRYSTAL PALACE’S FA Cup success owes much to their willingness to recruit from the Championship — an increasingly-rare approach among Premier League clubs.Eberechi Eze, signed from QPR, and Adam Wharton, from Blackburn, were stars of the show, just as Michael Olise proved an excellent recruit from Reading before last summer’s move to Bayern Munich.Romain Esse, a January signing from Millwall, looks like he will prove to be Palace’s next such shrewd buy.It’s a wonder more top- flight clubs don’t do likewise.Pep’s sour HendPep Guardiola’s rant at Dean Henderson should have been a moment of good grace insteadCredit: Shutterstock EditorialPEP GUARDIOLA’S ranting at Dean Henderson after Manchester City’s FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Palace, brought to mind a quote attributed to American football coach Vince Lombardi — “Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser”.But despite his reputation for volcanic outbursts, Sir Alex Ferguson — the one manager with more Premier League titles than Guardiola — could often be extremely gracious in defeat.Such as after the 2011 Champions League final at Wembley, when Guardiola’s Barcelona defeated his Manchester United side 3-1.“Nobody’s given us a hiding like that but they deserve it,” Ferguson said. “In my time as manager, it’s the best team I’ve faced.”Sure, Henderson should have been sent off — but Palace’s first major trophy should have been a moment for similar good grace.Read More on The SunLeague of their ownFOR English watchers, a clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan is the least sexy Champions League final in years — no English clubs or players and no Lamine Yamal to marvel at either.Yet PSG and Inter are wonderful teams and this promises to be the competition’s best final in years — especially as there hasn’t been a decent one since Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Liverpool in 2018.Crystal Palace ratingsCRYSTAL PALACE secured their first ever trophy with a famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. 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      Oxford United’s Sam Long extends legendary career at club until at least 2027 as boss Gary Rowett plots for new season

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      SAM LONG has signed a new deal to remain at Oxford.The 30-year-old defender has been at the club all his career. Sam Long has signed a new one-year contract at Oxford UnitedCredit: GettyHis new contract keeps him tied to Oxford until at least 2027.There is also an option for an extra year.Long, who had one year left on his current deal, is known as Mr Oxford because he has never played for another side since joining the club at the age of eight.He has played 272 first-team games for the club having made his U’s debut against Accrington in 2013.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLong played a big part in Oxford’s season where they avoided relegation and ended up 17th.Boss Gary Rowett has been impressed with Long and was keen for him to commit his future to the club.Rowett took over in December and also admits Oxford will be looking into Europe to sign players this summer.He said: “We always want to find a blend.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I’ll be very surprised if we don’t sign some players from European leagues this summer.“I think there’s great value there.“I’ve seen it before where not only is there great value to improve your team, but there’s great value to create an asset that maybe you can sell on at some point in the future as well, which is important.”Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsCan you name the famous fathers? More

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      Gary Neville reveals the SIX players Man Utd must sign this summer or risk Ruben Amorim being out of a job

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      GARY NEVILLE has revealed the six targets Manchester United should be trying to sign this summer.The Red Devils are expected to undergo a major squad overhaul this summer under co-owners, Ineos, after the club suffered its worst-ever Premier League season.Gary Neville has told Man Utd to sign at least six players this summerCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s squad is set to undergo a massive overhaul this weekendCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe has been warned Man Utd need a busy window to get their rebuild underwayCredit: PAWolves ace Matheus Cunha is expected to be the first signing they make this window following reports Man Utd will trigger his £62.5million release clause when the season ends.However, Old Trafford legend Neville has told the club they need to sign at least six players to properly kickstart the rebuild under Ruben Amorim.Speaking to The Athletic, the 50-year-old said: “What they need to do now is to create some stability. “There has been a lot of instability off the pitch in respect of the non-playing staff and there has been a lot of instability on the pitch with the changes of manager and changes to the squad. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”That has got to stop at some point and they’ve got to embed in Ruben’s team, let them develop. I think this time next year we’ll know a lot more, when we see whether Ruben can build a successful team. “Christmas next year we’ll know a lot more, because I think Ruben needs to get that second transfer window. He needs a proper pre-season with the team to embed this system and this style of play. “We’ll know a lot more in October, November, December when I’m sure they’ll be winning more matches than they are now. “It needs a big overhaul in the summer. Five or six players minimum to be able to change the direction of how he wants to play. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”There’s at least two forwards, a central midfield player, definitely two wing backs and another centre-back. They need six players minimum.“Ruben has been very good at identifying the players he wants out of the club; that’s really clear to everybody. The club’s job now is to get them out and get replacements in that he likes and wants in his team.”How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesMan Utd have won just six of the 26 league games Amorim has taken charge of, while they are yet to lose in ten matches playing in the Europa League.That run earned them a spot in Wednesday’s final in Bilbao.However, the game will be played against Tottenham, who have beaten Man Utd three times already this season – twice in the league and once in the Carabao Cup.Neville admits that game is not doing nice things to his stomach when thinking about its importance to both clubs, with Man Utd and Spurs sitting 16th and 17th in the Prem respectively.The eight-time PL winner added: “That game is making my stomach churn with its level of importance, to both clubs.“Not just from a silverware perspective, not just from a manager’s perspective, but also from a finance perspective; what it gives both clubs in terms of attracting players and the money that it will put into the clubs. “It’s making me a little bit sick.”Like Neville, fellow Class of ’92 graduate David Beckham believes Amorim needs backing, rather than sacking, during the summer window.He also told The Athletic: “Ruben needs to be backed as a manager to bring in his team and his philosophy; he’s trying that already but I think once he brings his team in and his players, then you’ll see something different.“I’d like to think you wouldn’t have to sell your captain (Bruno Fernandes). He has been exceptional. We’ve all been critical at times of some United players — but when we needed someone to step up, he has done it.“I also hate (the idea of) any young player who has grown up at United leaving the club. We shouldn’t be selling players purely for financial reasons.“It should be what they are doing on the field and if they’re not performing, there’s always a chance — we all knew that, I knew that. “If I wasn’t performing on the pitch, it didn’t matter what I’d done in the past or what I was going to do in the future; there was a good chance that I was either going to get left on the bench, or I was going to get sold.“I’d like to think that Manchester United don’t sell players that have grown up at the club, understand and love the club. I don’t want to see players leave Manchester United if they care about United like I do…”A lot of managers have come in and said that but I think you just have to look back at one of the greatest managers to ever lead Manchester United and one of the greatest managers in football.”The manager (Ferguson) always knew when to change and when to adapt. He always knew he had another option to change the system, to change the players, to bring in new talent. He was the best at it.Read More on The Sun“So if he can do it, then at some point I’m sure if Ruben sees there’s an opportunity to change the system or change the way he plays, maybe he will have to do it. “But I like the fact that he is like: ‘No, I’m going to stick with my system’. And that’s what I respect about him.”David Beckham has urged the club to back AmorimCredit: PAMan Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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      Matheus Cunha set for Man Utd transfer from Wolves with Red Devils to trigger £62.5MILLION release clause

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly closing in on the first signing of their summer rebuild with the transfer of Matheus Cunha.The Red Devils are set for a squad overhaul under Ruben Amorim after their worst-ever Premier League season.Matheus Cunha is set to join Man Utd from Wolves in a £62.5m dealCredit: GettyCunha has scored more goals than every Man Utd star bar Bruno FernandesCredit: RexAnd that window is set to be kicked off with the signing of Wolves ace Matheus Cunha.According to Sky Sports, Man Utd transfer chiefs will trigger the £62.5million release clause of the 25-year-old when the season ends next week.The club are said to be aware of what conditions they need to meet to trigger that clause.Man Utd are yet to directly contact Wolves about the offer, but those formalities are anticipated to happen once the current Premier League campaign ends.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCunha has scored 17 goals and added six assists in 34 games across all competitions for the Molineux outfit this season.That impressive form has put him firmly in the sights of several top clubs.However, Cunha wants to play for Man Utd, with a deal over personal terms said to be almost agreed.His tally of goals places him behind only Man Utd club captain Bruno Fernandes – who has 19 goals and 19 assists respectively.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordMeanwhile, only three other players; Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo have reached double figures for the season, although Amad has played at least nine games fewer than his team-mates.Cunha was seen chatting to Amorim when their two clubs played at Old Trafford last month, with Wolves playing out a 1-0 win over Man Utd thanks to Pablo Sarabia’s free-kick.EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd, Spurs and ARSENAL fans take epic 32-hour ‘bucket list’ ferry trip to Bilbao for Europa League finalHe is the first name wanted by Man Utd chiefs as they look to desperately bolster their attacking options after a record-breaking season for how poor the club’s forwards have been.Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is also said to be on the list of targets for attacking reinforcements, with the English forward said to be available for £30m after a relegation release clause became active.Man Utd have also been linked with deals for attackers including Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Bryan Mbeumo and Moise Kean.As well as strikers, the Old Trafford outfit shopping list reportedly includes new centre-backs, a goalkeeper and centre midfielders.The club will be playing a make or break Europa League final on Wednesday against Tottenham.SunSport’s very own Dave Courtnadge has joined Man Utd, Spurs and Arsenal fans on a 32-hour cruise to Bilbao ahead of the final.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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      Five Arsenal stars at risk as ruthless Arteta prepares for squad overhaul after sending clear transfer message to board

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      THERE was a noticeable change in tone during Mikel Arteta’s Emirates address on Sunday.Last season, having taken Manchester City to the final day and agonisingly missing out on the Premier League title by two points, the Arsenal boss was emotional but indignant.Mikel Arteta gave an impassioned speech to the Emirates faithful after Arsenal’s home game of the seasonCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard insisted his troops would continue to chase silverware with ‘enthusiasm and positivity’Credit: GETTYThe Spaniard could wave goodbye to five players this coming summerCredit: GETTYWith a beaming smile, Arteta said in May 2024: “Don’t be satisfied, because we want much more than that and we are going to get it.”Twelve months on – stood on the Emirates pitch once more having confirmed a third-successive second-place Prem spot – there was an anger and frustration weighing down Arteta’s words in the aftermath of a 1-0 victory over Newcastle.The Spaniard said: “We had a dream, it was to bring the big trophies to you guys. Unfortunately we haven’t been able to do it.“But make sure that chasing that dream doesn’t get blurry. READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS”Make sure we chase that dream with enthusiasm and positivity towards next season.”Ahead of one of the biggest summers at the club for years, Arteta then did something he had previously been reluctant to do in public: call out the owners.Arteta told Sky Sports: “Finish the season, go to the beach, enjoy a few days and make sure the ones upstairs do what they have to do.”It was clear-cut, unmistakable and cheekily blunt that will remind the board just how important this transfer window is, and how they cannot afford to make any mistakes.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn a clear message to Stan and Josh Kroenke – the holders of the purse strings in North London – Arteta knows he is a few missing pieces away from guiding the club to major honours, and they need to walk through the door over the next few weeks and months.Otherwise, for the first time in his five-and-a-half-year reign, the until-now loyal and loving fanbase could turn against their beloved coach and demand change in the pursuit of titles. Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners starIn order to avoid that, Arteta will be ruthless not only with incomings but outgoings too. No one will be safe from the chop, even previously reliable faces.He admitted in his post-Newcastle press conference: “We need players because the squad is really short, and on top of that we are losing four or five players that are going to end [their] contracts, and their loans are finished. “So, we need to be sharp, very disciplined in what we want to do, and make sure that we are strong next season.”Those “four or five” include two loanees – keeper Neto from Bournemouth and winger Raheem Sterling from Chelsea.Sterling is not expected to be extending his time at Arsenal, but remains in the dark over his future in England with a lack of communication from parent club Chelsea throughout this campaign.His loan has been viewed as a disappointment, with Arteta expecting a much bigger impact from a player he learned to love during his assistant coach days at Man City, bringing him in on deadline day last summer in a late call to add another body to the squad.However, there are those who will rightly argue that Sterling has been given little chance to build up any sort of momentum on the pitch, even during Bukayo Saka’s three-month injury absence from December to March, starting just seven games in all competitions since the turn of the year.Arteta has already moved on from the 30-year-old, opting against bringing him on in what would have been his last chance to play in front of the Emirates fans last weekend.While 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has proved he can provide back-up for Saka on the right wing, Arteta will push to sign a left winger this summer, which will threaten starting spots for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.Jorginho and Oleksandr Zinchenko could be on their way oit of the Emirates this summerCredit: GETTYLeandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling are also set for exitsCredit: GETTYScotland international Kieran Tierney is set to rejoin CelticCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKShould top target Nico Williams be signed from Athletic Bilbao, then Trossard could be moved on to raise funds – the Belgian has just one year left on his current contract and has been linked to a Saudi move.Arteta’s ruthlessness is also needed at left-back. Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic is expected to be completed soon with his deal expiring at the end of the term, while Oleksandr Zinchenko has drawn interest from Borussia Dortmund after losing his place to academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly. The Ukrainian’s leadership, influence in the dressing room and positional flexibility is highly valued by Arteta, but again, with 12 months left on the 28-year-old’s deal, this could be a chance to cash in on a player they spent £35m on from City in the summer of 2022.And then there is the midfield dilemma. On the pitch with his family and friends after the Toon victory, Jorginho, 33, acted like he was saying a fond farewell with his contract soon up and a chance to return to his birthplace, Brazil, to see out the rest of his career.Thomas Partey is in a similar position, but sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to be keen to explore a contract extension for the 31-year-old, even with a £51m deal already agreed for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.Arteta admitted last week that he knew Arsenal’s squad was too small before this season even started. So, with five potentially out the door, at least five will be targeted to replace them.Read More on The SunZubimendi for £51m. Williams for £50m? Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres for around £60m? Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia for around £25m?This will be a summer of great change at Arsenal, and Arteta knows it is required to achieve great things. More

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      Man Utd files: Seven strikers targeted across two transfer wishlists in case United miss out on Champions League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S summer striker search will be shaped by Bilbao on Wednesday night.Beating Tottenham to lift the Europa League will make a £100million-plus difference to United’s finances – as well as bringing silverware and a ticket back to the Champions League elite.Viktor Gyokeres is a target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSo too is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin SeskoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLiam Delap is set to leave Ipswich after the club’s relegation from the Prem and is at the top of United’s wishlistCredit: AlamyUnited scouts have scoured the market over the past six months, desperate to give Ruben Amorim the attacking weaponry he needs to take the Old Trafford club back into Premier League title contention.Yet if Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs players are parading around San Mames in joy after the final whistle, the knock-on effects for United’s recruitment drive will be huge.United’s talent-spotters have kept tabs on Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Moise Kean, Liam Delap, Mateo Retegui and Jean-Philippe Mateta as well as Udinese’s “Tower of Pisa” Lorenzo Lucca.Both Gyokeres, 26, and Sesko, 21, are also targets for Arsenal, who have reportedly made the Sporting Lisbon striker No1 on their shortlist.Swede sensation Gyokeres is one of Europe’s hottest properties after netting 53 goals so far this term, with Portuguese champions Sporting willing to let him go for around £60m.Amorim knows his former star well but he is unlikely to come to Old Trafford without top-level European football.Likewise, RB Leipzig star Sesko’s reported £64m release clause would be out of United’s price range, too, given their PSR concerns – unless Amorim can shift out a swathe of his current players.Delap, 22, would cost just £30m thanks to a relegation clause in his Ipswich contract and is believed to be the Red Devils’ top target.The former Manchester City striker has impressed in an often lonely and forlorn role, scoring 12 Prem goals and showing power and intelligence.But there are questions, too, over whether he would join United without European football, especially if fellow admirers Chelsea qualify for the Champions League.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesSunSport understands the Blues – managed by Delap’s former City academy coach, Enzo Maresca – are confident of landing the England Under-21 international.Should United miss out on Champions League football, it would mean shopping in a different market – less Harrods, more Waitrose.Ex-Everton forward Kean, Atalanta’s Retegui and Lucca are among the fallback options.Italy star Retegui, 26, has 23 goals in 31 games for Atalanta this term, with Liverpool reportedly also interested.Kean, 25, flopped in the Premier League with the Toffees but has revived his career with 17 league goals in 30 games for Fiorentina this season, while 6ft 7in Lucca has netted 11 Serie A goals for mid-table Udinese.Amorim’s scouting team have also identified Crystal Palace’s Mateta, 27, following his 14-goal breakout season.The Frenchman, who showed his value once more in Palace’s FA Cup triumph at Wembley on Saturday,  would cost around £30m, with the Eagles already resigned to losing him in the summer.United are also big fans of Marcus Thuram at Inter Milan but a deal could be tricky as his agent does not get on with Red Devils CEO Omar Berrada.Lorenzo Lucca is Udinese’s ‘Tower of Pisa’ up frontCredit: GettyEverton flop Moise Kean, now at Fiorentina, is a surprise target for UnitedCredit: GettyMateo Retegui of Atalanta is also on their listCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta – another target – celebrates Crystal Palace’s FA Cup winCredit: GettyWIL POWER UNITED hope technical director Jason Wilcox could be their trump card in the battle with Chelsea for Delap.Ruben Amorim has identified the England Under-21 striker as one of the men who could solve their chronic goal-scoring problems next season.And Wilcox knows him well through his work at the City Football Academy while Delap was coming through the ranks.He was the head of the youth set up at the Etihad when Delap joined from Derby in 2019. That personal relationship might give United an advantage.Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxCredit: GettyTURKISH DELIGHT TURKISH champions Galatasaray could give United a way out of their increasingly troublesome Jadon Sancho predicament.United believed they had seen the last of the former England winger when he was sent on loan to Chelsea with a £25m obligation to buy him at the end of this season.But Chelsea are understood to be ready to send Sancho, 25, back to Old Trafford for a £5m “penalty” repayment, leaving Amorim with another player he knows the club do not want.With Sancho having a year of his contract remaining, United need to raise just under £15m for him this summer to avoid a PSR “loss” on any move.Galatasaray, who clinched the Turkish crown this weekend, are gearing up for their Champions League return and are ready to come in with a bid.Sancho, though, who broke through at Borussia Dortmund after leaving Manchester City when he was just 17, might be more tempted by a return to the Bundesliga, especially with Bayer Leverkusen expected to undergo a major rebuild following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.Jadon Sancho is wanted by Turkish champions GalatasarayCredit: GettyFRIENDLY FIRE HARRY MAGUIRE and Amad Diallo were among a handful of players on media duty when United held their Europa League open day – and all seemed to be harmonious between the pair.That might not be the case on Saturday though – as two of their former clubs go head to head at Wembley in the Championship play-off final.Maguire took time out from his busy season to watch Sheffield United complete their demolition of Bristol City last Monday night.And 24 hours later, Amad sent a good luck message to his old team-mates at the Stadium of Light – which maybe helped inspire their dramatic late winner against Coventry.Neither player is likely to be at Wembley for the final as Man United play Aston Villa in their last Prem game of the season the following day.Harry Maguire watched Sheffield United’s play-off semi-finalCredit: GettyFAN FRIENDLY THOUSANDS of United supporters are heading to Bilbao – many of them with tickets for the game and some without.But all will be encouraged to visit the designated fan zone at Etxebarria Park – which is described as ‘one of the largest green zones in the city’.It is surrounded by green hills and offers magnificent views of Bilbao – according to the local tourist board – so supporters should be quite happy there.Local police are not anticipating too much trouble but the Spurs faithful will be directed towards the Amezola area of the city for their fan zone.Man Utd’s designated fan zone at Etxebarria ParkCredit: AlamyPICTURE THATDAVID DE GEA netted a whopping £22.8 in image rights while at United.The Spanish star – set for a return to Old Trafford in a pre-season friendly with Fiorentina – built up a fortune of £22,755,059 in Bedamarse Ltd, the company he used to handle his off-field pay. The keeper’s fortune shot up £3.5m in his last season at Old Trafford, the equivalent of £67,300 a week, according to accounts.The mega pay came on top of De Gea’s £375,000 a week wages.As well as image rights payments, De Gea signed a number of lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Adidas, Pepsi and EA Sports.David de Gea netted a whopping £22.8m in image rights while at Manchester United.Credit: PALEAVING A MARC MARCUS RASHFORD paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last year.The forward paid himself the huge sum from his investment company, MUCS Enterprises.Rashford also took out an interest free loan from the business worth £6.6m.The company made a profit of £6.2m in 2024.And despite pocketing the huge sums, his firm still has assets worth £5.6m.The on-loan Villa striker has also hit the jackpot with his investment properties.The total value of his rental properties jumped by almost £700,000 last year – from £7.1m in 2023 to £7.8m, according to latest paperwork for his rental firm, MUCS Properties Limited.Marcus Rashford paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last yearCredit: RexGETTING SHIRTY MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool may be miles apart in the Premier League, but the fierce rivals both banked £123m in kit sales last season.The pair received the whopping sum from kit and merchandise sales, according to a fresh Uefa report.Only Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich pocketed more than the Premiership giants.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid top the charts with club sales worth £165m last season.The England man’s shirt is the most popular in the club’s official stores.Bruno Fernandes jerseys are the biggest sellers at Old Trafford, while Mo Salah’s shirt is among the most popular for champions Liverpool.Man Utd banked £123million in kit sales last seasonCredit: GettyWAYNE TO GOWAYNE ROONEY has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running dispute.The United legend, 39, has landed the huge sum after closing down the firm he used for his lucrative sponsorship deals and image rights as a player.He has been waiting for three years for the payment after placing his company, called Stoneygate 48 Limited, into voluntary liquidation.Company liquidators said: “We have continued to be in contact with HMRC over a substantial tax refund which was due. This has resulted in a substantial but, in our opinion, partial repayment. We are seeking clarification of whether anything else is due.”The Manchester United legend received £22.2m after closing down the firm, including £11.9m in cash and more than £9mfrom the sale of properties.Wayne Rooney has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running disputeCredit: GettyFROM THE GROUND UP UNITED’s new stadium bill could reach £4BILLION, according to industry experts.A number of experts have warned in private that the Red Devils’ ambitious plans for a 100,000-seater arena could spiral out of control.The new stadium will replace Old Trafford, which has been the Red Devils’ home since 1910.Ineos chief and club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe put an ambitious five-year target on the build.It would see United move into their new ground for the 2030-31 campaign.But industry insiders believe that United’s plans could cost double the club’s £2bn budget.A concept of Man Utd’s new stadiumCredit: PA More

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      Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku at centre of six-way transfer race with Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim a huge admirer

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      CHELSEA star Christopher Nkunku is at the centre of a six-way transfer race this summer.The talented Frenchman is pushing for an exit from Chelsea, two years after a £52million switch from RB Leipzig.Six clubs are battling to sign Christopher Nkunku this summerCredit: GettyAnd SunSport can reveal that London rivals Arsenal are among those lining up a move for Nkunku.The Gunners are desperate to boost their firepower and Mikel Arteta sees the 27-year-old as a good option to add to his squad.But five other clubs are heavily in the race to secure Nkunku’s services.Manchester United, who made a move for the player during the January transfer window, are planning to go back this summer. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRuben Amorim is a huge admirer of the player, and believes his Premier League experience makes him a superb option for his Old Trafford rebuild.Liverpool also like Nkunku due to his versatility and previous goal record at Leipzig, where he netted 58 goals in his final two seasons.And West Ham, who will undergo a major rebuild, are plotting an ambitious raid of their own after ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter identified Nkunku as a star target.But there’s also strong interest from overseas, with Champions League finalists’ Paris St Germain among those to be monitoring developments. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey are believed to big admirers of Nkunku and think he could be a perfect addition to the stunning playing style Luis Enrique has created.Atletico Madrid are also interested in the player, with uncertainty over the future of Liverpool-linked ex-Man City forward Julian Alvarez.Cole Palmer eats sandwich and ketchup as Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit release videoIf Alvarez does go, then Nkunku is seen as the first option for a replacement.The Frenchman has endured a frustrating season for Chelsea and is fully expected to push for a move away.Just seven of his 22 starts this term have come in the league, with Nkunku instead a regular in the Conference League and domestic cups.He’s thought to prefer the idea of a move to a club in the Champions League, which would make Arsenal, Liverpool, Paris St Germain and Atletico Madrid the leading contenders. Chelsea would prefer to see the player move abroad as, despite his limited playing time, boss Enzo Maresca knows Nkunku has a lot of ability and knows selling him to a rival club could be risky. More