Newcastle United are battling Chelsea to sign Liam Delap.
The 22-year-old striker is attracting huge interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with Liam Delap available for £30million due to a relegation release clause in his contract.
Newcastle are interested in Delap, but are not alone.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also linked with the Ipswich Town forward, while he has suitors from overseas too.
The current favourites to sign Liam Delap
Newcastle would love to bring Delap to St James’ Park, but they are not currently in pole position to secure his signature.
Photo by Michael Driver | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Driver | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Instead, that honour belongs to Chelsea.
That is the view of TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Liam Delap’s future.
“He’s considering his options,” he said.
“He’s got a glut of clubs interested in him. At this moment in time, I would still make Chelsea favourites to sign him.
“He’s got that relationship from Man City with Enzo Maresca. Cole Palmer is one of his close friends. There’s that route to the first-team. It wouldn’t be too difficult for Delap to be first choice at Stamford Bridge.
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“They can make a very good offer for him, because they do need him.
“In an ideal world, Newcastle would love him to be number two to Alexander Isak, but it just is not going to play out like that.”
Newcastle United see why they need someone like Liam Delap
Newcastle United want to sign a striker this summer, and it has been easy to see why in recent weeks.
While Alexander Isak has continued to chip in with goals, he has been nowhere near his best.
However, Howe has stuck with his super Swede. Isak has been a consistent presence in the starting XI, despite Callum Wilson and Will Osula being available. The former is not the player he once was, while the latter is not fully trusted. Therefore, it has been up to Isak to continue leading the line.
That is why he needs more competition, which Delap would provide. But while Newcastle think Delap and Isak can play together, it is difficult to envision them becoming teammates at St James’ Park.