Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to enter discussions as they plan an offer to sign an astute Man United and Chelsea target, and he's viewed as a potential snip if they can get a deal done this summer.
Tottenham eyeing new forward amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty
Amid the uncertain future of manager Ange Postecoglou, chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team must also get to work on planning for the upcoming transfer window.
This year, a special edition window will be open from June 1 to June 10 - which gives some clubs the opportunity to sign players before the Club World Cup begins. It could also be an opportunity for Levy to strengthen early doors, but it is unclear whether the Lilywhites plan to make use of this early window.
What's crystal clear, though, is Tottenham's need to strengthen certain areas of the squad.
Their 2024/2025 campaign has been overshadowed by a plethora of injuries to key players, leaving Postecoglou with precious few options at times, and it has undoubtedly contributed to their lowly 16th-placed position in the Premier League table.
Spurs are reportedly in the market for a new striker to bolster their forward line, among other transfer priorities, with Richarlison's long-term future also in question after a season blighted by injury for the Brazilian.
This week, reports claim Tottenham are targeting Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst, following the German's exceptional Bundesliga campaign, and they're ready to pay up to £30 million for his signature (CaughtOffside).
However, he is by no means the only centre-forward being looked at, with Ipswich Town starlet Liam Delap coming as another name on their radar.
Tottenham preparing to enter talks for Ipswich striker Liam Delap
According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham are planning an offer for Delap and preparing to enter talks for the Englishman's signature - but face competition from West Ham, Chelsea, Everton and United in pursuit of him.
The 22-year-old has been a bright spark in an otherwise torrid campaign for Kieran McKenna's relegated side, bagging 12 goals in all competitions, and reports claim Delap's contract includes a £30 million release clause tied with Ipswich dropping back down to the Championship.
Delap is viewed as a "bargain" behind-the-scenes, according to GMS, but a major obstacle could still form in the ex-Man City starlet's wage demands. Indeed, it is believed Delap wants around £150,000-per-week from any new suitor, which would actually make him one of Spurs' highest earners.
This could be tricky to navigate for Levy, who has managed to keep control of Tottenham's wage bill, and may be reluctant to green-light moves for players with extortionate requirements when it comes to personal terms.
That being said, Delap is a homegrown player of serious quality and sky-high potential, so it could be worth the concession in this instance.
"He is a quality player," said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson.
"He led the line on his own against Chelsea. At times, Chelsea were playing a back five with four players in front, and they defended resolutely, but he was always an outlet.
"He is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available. When it looks like he isn't going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team.
"He is a top, top player."