Manchester United are about to discover just how damaging Europa League final defeat really was

The impact of losing the Europa League final and missing out on Champions League qualification could be massive for Man United in this summer’s transfer window.

The summer transfer window has not even officially opened for business yet and Manchester United have already suffered their first setback.

After identifying Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap as their top target to strengthen their attacking options this summer, United look set to miss out on the England Under-21 international to Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The Manchester Evening News understands Delap is leaning towards joining the Londoners and wants to get his future resolved ahead of the Under-21 European Championship getting underway on June 11.

United had identified Delap, 22, as their priority target and considered him an attainable option amid his £30million release clause that had been triggered following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.