Manchester United to bring former Newcastle United fan-favourite back to Premier League for £40m

Newcastle United and Manchester United missed out on signing striker Liam Delap as the Ipswich Town forward opted to join Chelsea instead.

The landscape changed daily when it came to where Delap was expected to end up, with Newcastle having held the title of frontrunners at one point, but it was ultimately the mad house that is Chelsea that won the race.

Despite having a squad larger than the combined squads of the other 19 clubs in the Premier League, Chelsea were short of a quality striker, so we can't really begrudge them this move.

However, that leaves Newcastle and Man United searching for another centre-forward this summer.

Manchester United now have their eye on Aleksandar Mitrovic

While Newcastle assess their options, Manchester United are already moving on with reports suggesting that the Red Devils have former Toon striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in their sights.

Mitrovic spent three years on Tyneside and the striker was more well known for being a bit of a heed the ball than for his goals, but he still held a place in Geordie hearts and many fans were upset when Mitrovic left St James' Park to move to Fulham, especially after he started scoring regularly in the Championship for Fulham.

Newcastle fans consoled themselves by saying he couldn't do it in the Premier League, but as his goals took Fulham back to the Premier League, his form didn't stop, ultimately hitting 111 goals in 206 appearances, earning himself a £50 million move and a huge payday with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

What are Manchester United doing?

The 30-year-old could be on the move again, with Manchester United keen to bring Mitrovic back to the Premier League, as reported by Newcastle World, with a valuation of £40 million mooted.

It seems a bit strange going from a young, English striker, Liam Delap, for £30 million, and then, when losing out on him, pivoting to a £40 million 30-year-old.

But that's Manchester United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe for you - zero clue what they're doing, and we're here for it. Although it would be cool to see Mitro back in the Premier League.