Alan Shearer issues Liam Delap Man United transfer verdict amid Man City advantage

Alan Shearer has already given his verdict on Liam Delap as Manchester United continue to be linked with a summer transfer.

The former Manchester United academy star has been one of the standout performers for Ipswich Town despite their fight against Premier League relegation. He has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in the league so far this term.

Delap netted in the midweek win over Bournemouth, keeping the Tractor Boys' remote hopes of avoiding the drop. Although Ipswich are nine points from safety, time is running out with only eight games left in the season to turn things around.

Given that relegation is a reality, Premier League clubs have been alert to the 22-year-old's situation at Portman Road. Besides United, Chelsea are also in the mix and the striker could be available for around £40million.

City however, have inserted a buyback clause in his contract. Shearer believes it's a no-brainer for United as they look to improve their attack for next season.

"Liam Delap has been one of the standouts in a really poor season for Ipswich and it's difficult when you're up against it every single week to stand out but he's been one that has," the Newcastle United icon told Betfair.

"Ipswich fans won't want to hear it, but it's inevitable that he'll be linked with massive football clubs because he's a really good talent.

"They're sat on something special are Ipswich. They put their neck on the line and paid the money for him and they've done very well with him.

"Delap has stood out this season which unfortunately means that he will attract the attention of the big clubs. It's going to be very difficult for Ipswich to keep hold of him, particularly because if, as expected, they're going to get relegated. Having had a taste of the Premier League, he won't want to go back to the Championship.

"He'll want to stay in the big league, so it's going to be very difficult for Ipswich to keep hold of him. If they go down then he won't want to stay.

"Who would want to go down and play in the Championship, having had a taste of Premier League football - that's only natural.

Shearer continued: "Big clubs will be looking at him, because I think he's got something about him. He's got an arrogance about him, which I really like and he's got an aura.

"He’s already been linked with a number of clubs in the Premier League and looking at who he’s been linked with I think he can go in and command a starting role, because he's better than anything Man United have got up front.

"He's also better than anything Chelsea have got up front, so the answer is simple – yes, he would start for those clubs. I think the good sign is that he's done really well in a struggling team and has, without a doubt, been the standout.

"They'll do well to keep hold of him and Ipswich fans will not want to hear that! They'll probably get angry hearing that, but that's the reality unfortunately."