Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign Chelsea transfer target Liam Delap.
The Blues have been linked to Delap for several months as they aim to add more depth up front alongside Nicolas Jackson, who has seen injury struggles this season.
It is not yet clear as to where Delap will go, however, there has also been significant interest from Manchester United, who are aiming to land the 22-year-old alongside their likely first summer signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
The Ipswich Town man has a £30m release clause activated in his contract following the Tractor Boys’ relegation to the Championship, and he reportedly wants to move to a side where he can play European Football. He has reportedly been in talks with both Chelsea and Man United.
Chelsea have a shot at the Champions League this summer, as they are in the race for the top five, but they will at least be playing in the Europa League next season.
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Newcastle enter race for Chelsea target Delap
However, for all that’s looking good in Chelsea’s pursuit of Delap, there is one slight issue, and that is that according to TalkSPORT, Newcastle have entered the race to sign the 22-year-old.
Eddie Howe is reportedly looking for a striker to play behind Alexander Isak, as Callum Wilson is due to leave the club as a free agent in the summer transfer window.
The report says that Delap will hold face to face discussions with Newcastle, much like he did with United and Chelsea, and the decision will likely come down to where he would prefer to play.
Delap could replace Nkunku
Seeing as Maresca wants to add more depth up front, it could indicate that French attacker Christopher Nkunku could be on his way out, amid speculation that he will leave the club.
The former RB Leipzig star has been linked to both Man United and Arsenal in recent weeks, and Chelsea are understood to be willing to cash in on Nkunku this summer.
He’s made 42 appearances this season, scoring 14 goals and providing five assists. However, only three of his 14 goals have come in the Premier League.
Click here to see Chelsea’s full first team squad heading into the summer transfer window.