The latest transfer talk from Newcastle United as the Magpies are linked with a move for a Premier League striker.
Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Chelsea striker Liam Delap as his future at Stamford Bridge remains under major doubt.
The former Ipswich Town striker joined the Blues in a reported £30m deal last summer but scored just one goal in 28 appearances during what could be his one and only season at the West London club. New Blues manager Xabi Alonso is said to be keen to move a number of players on this summer - and he delivered a verdict on Delap last month.
Chelsea’s Liam Delap has lost his number nine shirt this season (Robbie Stephenson/PA)placeholder image
Chelsea’s Liam Delap has lost his number nine shirt this season (Robbie Stephenson/PA)
Speaking after Delap appeared in a friendly win against Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers, Alonso said: "Every player that is involved is doing well, Liam as well. It was 60 minutes when he had to battle hard against the centre-backs, a good few lays off, so he's doing well and preparing for the season. I see him in a good mood, in a good desire to get proper fitness, proper football feeling good, and he's doing well.”
Despite that positive assessment, Delap is said to be training away from the Blues first-team along with the likes of Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling and is expected to be available for transfer.
TeamTalk have reported Newcastle have ‘stepped up their interest’ in the England Under-21 international and have made fresh contact with Chelsea over a possible deal. Nottingham Forest are also said to be keen on Delap with new manager Olivier Glasner said to have been an admirer of the striker during his time in charge of Crystal Palace and other sources have suggested Leeds United retain an interest.
The report claims Chelsea are looking for a fee of around £35m before they will agree to a deal that would bring an end to Delap’s underwhelming spell at Stamford Bridge - and it is Everton that are said to have ‘the clearest path’ to an agreement after establishing themselves as frontrunners for his signature. The Toffees have reportedly held earlier discussions with the striker after attempting to lure him to the Hill Dickinson Stadium and are now looking to push through a deal before the summer transfer window comes to a close early next month.
Your next Newcastle United read:'I like a lot' - Matthias Jaissle reacts as Newcastle United owners green light major move