[Newcastle United](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/08/24/to-miss-next-4-5-games-sky-sports-journalist-newcastle-united-injury-blow/) have their problems up top. There is no doubt about that. They lost Alexander Isak last summer and were not able to replace him.
Nick Woltemade struggled badly and finished the campaign with just 11 goals, despite getting four in his first five Premier League outings. So, he needs to be a lot better.
Until the weekend, we would have said the same things about Yoane Wissa as well, who scored three goals last season. But he was brilliant in the opening game against Liverpool. Hopefully, that is just the start of a fantastic campaign for the DR Congo international, who also scored thrice at the World Cup.
On the other hand, there is an update on a Chelsea striker Newcastle United have been linked with on a consistent basis for months now. He seems to be closing in on a Stamford Bridge exit.
According to [Florian Plettenberg](https://x.com/Plettigoal/status/2091955899585945887), Nottingham Forest are close to agreeing a deal with Chelsea for Liam Delap. Advanced negotiations between the clubs are taking place.
Nottingham Forest are aware of his personal terms and do not expect any issues on that front should an agreement with Chelsea be reached. The English striker is ready to undergo his medical.
Of course, this means that Newcastle United are set to miss out if they had indeed been chasing the signature of Delap, as a number of outlets suggested over the past several months.
To be very honest though, if you ask me, not many Newcastle United fans will be disappointed seeing that Delap looks unlikely to end up at St James’ Park.
As discussed already, Newcastle United have had their issues up top. But, it is hard to see how Delap can be viewed as the solution to those problems unless Jaissle is looking to play complete counter-attacking football.
Delap is the type of striker who have seen thrive in the past when he has open space to run into and make runs behind the opposition defence. He did that brilliantly at Ipswich Town.
What he struggles to do is score consistently when facing opponents that are happy to sit back and not give him time or space on the ball, which is what happens most weeks at Chelsea.
Of course, Wissa’s excellent performance against Liverpool on the opening day will also raise expectations that Newcastle United’s striker issues are not as big as first thought.