BREAKING: Agent of 25yr old Creative Midfielder who recorded 40G/A in all competitions this season is now in LONDON CARRINGTON to seal 4yr deal with Man United TODAY after turning down transfer approach from Chelsea and Liverpool – FABRIZIO ROMANO CONFIRMED

Liam Delap is expected to snub interest from Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle United in favour of joining Chelsea.

The Ipswich Town frontman had his pick of a small bunch in the lead-up to the transfer window opening and has ultimately swayed towards Stamford Bridge.

Alas, the prospective move would see him reunite with Enzo Maresca, whom he worked with during his time at Manchester City.

It’s thought that United’s failure to secure their spot in next season’s Champions League – or any European competition, for that matter – put their pursuit of Delap in real jeopardy, allowing Chelsea a free run at activating his £30 million release clause.

United can’t dwell over Liam Delap rejection

Yet, where one door closes, another one opens.

Being unable to get a deal over the line for Delap has, in turn, boosted United’s chances of signing standout Premier League performer Bryan Mbeumo; GiveMeSport claims United would be ‘significantly more likely’ to land the Cameroonian in the event they did indeed miss out on Delap.

Albeit a more senior star and not an out-and-out centre-forward by nature, the Brentford talisman is widely expected to be on the move this summer after six years in West London.

The Bees signed Mbeumo from Troyes for a fee of just £5.8m – a then-club record fee – back in 2019, and now value him in the region of £50-60m, meaning they stand to make at least £44.2m profit through his sale.

Bryan Mbeumo emerges as a concrete target for Reds

Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on the league’s final day last Sunday saw Mbeumo break the 20-goal mark for the first-ever time in the division. He also scored 11 more goals than last campaign, making it no surprise his stellar showings have caught the eyes of INEOS chiefs.

Thomas Frank has previously conceded that his trusty lieutenant will likely depart before 2025/2026 gets underway. He told Sky Sports: “If the price is right – and that’s going to be expensive – and is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it. I’ve said many times: we are a selling club. But at the same time, we have to reinforce that there are 10 clubs in the world that aren’t selling clubs.”

**Liam Delap’s decision to snub Manchester United in favour of Chelsea** is a blow to the Red Devils’ youth-focused recruitment push, but it may prove to be a blessing in disguise — as it clears the path for a more experienced and ready-made Premier League performer: **Bryan Mbeumo**.

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### 🔵 **Liam Delap to Chelsea – Reuniting with Maresca**

* **Club:** Ipswich Town (on loan from Manchester City)
* **Release clause:** £30 million
* **Reported destination:** Chelsea
* **Key factor:** Reuniting with Enzo Maresca, who coached him during his time with Manchester City’s youth setup.
* **Rejected interest from:** Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle

United’s **lack of European football** and continued uncertainty about their striker pecking order appears to have damaged their pitch to Delap, giving Chelsea a clear run.

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### 🔴 **Manchester United shift focus to Bryan Mbeumo**

* **Club:** Brentford
* **Position:** Winger/Forward
* **Age:** 24
* **2023/24 output:** Over 20 goal contributions in the Premier League
* **Valuation:** £50–60 million
* **Contract status:** Brentford open to selling if the right price is met
* **Manager’s stance:** Thomas Frank admitted Mbeumo could leave this summer, provided a top offer arrives.

### Why Mbeumo Makes Sense for United:

* **Ready for first-team impact**: Unlike Delap, who is still developing, Mbeumo is in his prime and **proven in the Premier League**.
* **Tactical flexibility**: Can play across the front line — on either wing or centrally.
* **Goal threat**: Outscored his previous best season by 11 goals, showing clear upward trajectory.
* **Work rate & pressing**: A key asset in Thomas Frank’s system, aligning well with Erik ten Hag’s preferred high-pressing structure.
* **Homegrown replacement strategy**: With potential exits for Sancho, Greenwood, or even Antony, Mbeumo provides a reliable alternative with fewer off-field complications.

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### 🚦 What This Means for United’s Summer:

* **Delap’s snub is disappointing**, but the club is now in a position to **prioritize players who are Premier League-ready and can contribute immediately**.
* Mbeumo would not be a direct replacement for a traditional No. 9 like Delap, but rather offer **versatility, end product, and leadership**.
* The price tag may be high, but United are looking for **attacking players who can perform at a high level under pressure**, and Mbeumo fits the bill.

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### 🧠 Verdict:

Missing out on Liam Delap may sting in terms of future potential, but it *opens the door for a more impactful signing in the present*. Bryan Mbeumo would add real quality to a United frontline needing consistency and goals. If INEOS can get the deal done around the £50-55m mark, it could be one of the club’s most shrewd acquisitions of the summer.

Would you like a detailed player comparison between Delap and Mbeumo? Or a mock lineup showing where Mbeumo could fit in United’s XI?