Update: Manchester United transfer target Liam Delap’s future takes new twist after Kieran McKenna reveal News

Kieran McKenna has said that the future of Chelsea and Manchester United transfer target Liam Delap is still uncertain, with the striker’s future yet to be decided

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has cast uncertainty over Liam Delap’s potential departure from the club this summer, stating there’s still a ‘possibility’ he could stay at Portman Road.

Manchester United, with their eyes set on bolstering their strike force, have the 22 year old, who has shone in the Premier League this season, on their radar. Ruben Amorim is eager to reinforce his attacking line, with United ready to sell players to fund moves for both Delap and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.

Delap has hit the back of the net 12 times in 32 league games this campaign but has recently been sidelined to substitute roles due to a rib injury.

With Ipswich facing Newcastle United on Saturday in a match that might seal their drop to the Championship, Delap’s future becomes increasingly pressing, especially as relegation would trigger a £30 million release clause in his contract.

Discussing Delap’s situation before the match, McKenna commented: “That’s not where certainly our focus is. I don’t think it’s where Liam’s focus is. His focus is on trying to get back to full health and get ready for Newcastle.

“It’s a great game for him as it is for the rest of the boys never having played at that stadium before. I know he’s really looking forward to it.

“Liam’s in the same boat as everyone else. He’s focused on the here and now, on the big games that we have and not too far in the future.

“If we put mental energy into that, if any player put mental energy into that, then it would be impossible to provide what we’re going to need on Saturday.”

When asked about the rumours linking his player with a move to Chelsea or United, McKenna said: “I don’t know who it would be accepted by because it’s not by myself or Ipswich.

“His mindset isn’t there. Liam’s focus is still here and finishing the season as strong. And, as I’ve said before, I think there’s certainly a possibility that he’s an Ipswich player next year. So, I don’t think anyone’s decided on anything in anyone’s mind.

“Can Liam play for the biggest clubs in the country, the biggest clubs in the world? He certainly can, I fully believe that.

“He’s already shown the impact he can have at Premier League level in a team that has been fighting for everything. And I think he can have an outstanding impact at this level.

“But he’s also very young and he’s playing his first season of Premier League football. He’s not played a huge amount of minutes as a leading striker in a team before. And he’s still learning and getting better all the time.

“So, what’s right for Liam, what’s right for Ipswich, all those factors will come into play in the summer and the right decision will be made.

“But he’s happy and he’s developing really well here. And he has the potential and I think he will in his career go on to do some really, really good things.”

When questioned about the striker’s future at the club, he responded: “That’s for conversations with the club, myself, Liam, his people and his family. So, I think that’s private.”