Manchester United's answer to their top transfer priority might be becoming clearer

The summer transfer window has only been open for just over a week and already Manchester United have had to change course.

After identifying Liam Delap as their top target to strengthen their attacking options, members of United's hierarchy must have breathed a collective sigh when they learnt of the England Under-21 international's decision to move to Chelsea.

Delap, who scored 12 Premier League goals in his first and only season at Ipswich Town, was available via a £30million release clause, making him an attainable target. He held talks with a cluster of suitors, including United.

As frustrating as it can be for a club to have their transfer blueprint shredded, the good news is that Delap has made his move to Stamford Bridge right at the very start of the summer, leaving United with plenty of time to explore alternative avenues.

Furthermore, is missing out on Delap as big a 'blow' as some may claim it to be? He has just one season of top flight football under his belt and is still incredibly raw at the age of 22.

After gambling on potential in 2023 with Rasmus Hojlund and again last summer with Joshua Zirkzee, United can ill-afford to take another risk on a striker this summer. They need a proven goalscorer who can come in and hit the ground running.

Right now, a handful of names are frequently cropping up on repeat. The strikers in question are Napoli's Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon and soon-to-be free agent Jonathan David.

Of the Premier League's elite, United, Arsenal and Liverpool are the only three in desperate need of an out-and-out striker this summer now that Chelsea have signed Delap.

Arsenal are prioritising a move for former United target and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The