Manchester United have wildcard £17m transfer solution to Liam Delap snub

Manchester United were dealt a transfer hammer blow by Liam Delap's decision to reject their advances and instead choose Chelsea as his next home.

The striker had his pick of leading Premier League clubs after shining for relegated Ipswich Town this season. His £30million release clause made him an obtainable target and with United, who are closing in on a £62.5million deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, not flush with cash this summer Delap's price point and quality made him an attractive option.

Instead, United are paying the price for a dismal Premier League campaign and losing the Europa League final earlier this month which ended any hope of European football at Old Trafford next season. Delap seems set to complete his move to Stamford Bridge imminently.

So what next? United are desperate to sign a striker this summer given Rasmus Hojlund's struggles and Joshua Zirkee's preference to play deeper. In an ideal world, Ruben Amorim would be chasing a reunion with Sporting Lisbon powerhouse Viktor Gyokeres, or joining the race for the talented Benjamin Sesko or the free agent Jonathan David. But all three will want Champions league football and United don't have it.

Even the proven top flight alternatives to Delap, the likes of Brentford star Yoane Wissa and Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta could be financially out of reach for United with Premier League signings often attracting a premium.

It means the Reds might have to cast the net further afield in their search for attacking options. And a look at the Bundesliga could provide an answer.

A look down the list of top scorers, which is led by Harry Kane, sees the unheralded Jonathan Burkardt in fourth. The striker hit 18 goals last term to fire Mainz