are keeping tabs on a former starlet as they look to improve their forward line, according to reports. They have also been credited with an interest in a player who has been stylistically compared to Newcastle striker .

United have lacked serious firepower this season, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to provide a consistent threat. They have only managed six league goals between them, a measly total for strikers at a club of United's stature. Their struggles in front of goal have led to speculation that recruiting at least one new forward will be a top priority in the summer.

Several big-name players have already been linked with the Red Devils, including the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen. However, it seems United may decide to look closer to home by signing a Premier League striker who began his career in Manchester.

They are keeping a close eye on Ipswich Town marksman Liam Delap ahead of a potential summer move, according to . He spent the early part of his career at Manchester City, making a handful of senior appearances before joining the Tractor Boys last summer.

Delap has bagged 10 goals so far this season, leading to reported interest from United and several other clubs. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with his signature, while City are thought to have inserted a matching rights clause into the deal which saw him join Ipswich.

The young striker trained with England's senior squad on Tuesday, having been denied a maiden call-up by Thomas Tuchel last week. He will instead play for the under-21s and will reportedly be watched by United when Lee Carsley's side go up against France on the weekend.

The report adds that United will also be monitoring Hugo Ekitike, who is expected to feature up top for Les Bleus. He has enjoyed a highly productive campaign with Eintracht Frankfurt, chipping in with 19 goals and eight assists in all competitions.

Ekitike has also been tipped to join Arsenal if they fail to sign Isak from Newcastle at the end of the season. Meanwhile, the Magpies could revive their interest in Ekitike to fill the void if the Swedish striker does leave, according to .

It remains to be seen which direction United will go in when it comes to strengthening their forward line in the summer. They will certainly need to sign at least one new striker if they are serious about returning to the Premier League's upper reaches.

Their highest league scorer is Bruno Fernandes, who has only found the net on eight occasions since the beginning of the campaign. Amad is the runner-up with six goals to his name, but will be sidelined for the rest of the season with a serious ankle injury.