Former Tottenham Hotspur star Darren Bent has warned striker Liam Delap against making a move to Manchester United, stating that the young Ipswich Town forward is not ready to handle the immense pressure at Old Trafford.

Delap, who has attracted attention after scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in his debut Premier League season, has emerged as a transfer target for several top clubs following Ipswich Town's relegation to the Championship.

The 22-year-old striker has a £30 million release clause in his contract, with Manchester United, Chelsea, West Ham, Aston Villa, Everton, and Arsenal all reportedly showing interest in securing his signature this summer.

Speaking on the potential transfer, Bent expressed concern about Delap's readiness for a club of Manchester United's stature: "You're talking about 16 Premier League goals between them, four for Rasmus and 12 for Liam. Listen, I'm a big fan of his. I've watched him week in, week out, of course he's improved so much."

"To go from Ipswich Town, who were in the Championship last season, to Manchester United, and be expected to lead the line and score the goals... Listen, it might work, I think he's got the confidence in himself to be able to do it, but you're right, there's going to be dips in his form," Bent added.

The former England international instead suggested that Delap should consider joining West Ham United first to further develop his skills and prove himself at a slightly lower-pressure environment before potentially making a move to a club of Manchester United's magnitude.

Manchester United's interest in Delap comes as the club continues to search for solutions to their goal-scoring issues, with current striker Rasmus Højlund having netted just four Premier League goals in his debut season at Old Trafford.

As the summer transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen whether Delap will heed Bent's advice or if the allure of joining one of England's biggest clubs will prove too tempting to resist.