Newcastle United are in danger of missing out on a key summer target, with a Premier League rival now in ‘pole position’ to seal a deal.
This wouldn’t be the first time in 2025, as it’s believed Paul Mitchell had done the groundwork over a January move for centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov before Man City beat us to a deal.
PSR had previously impacted our ability to make moves, but it’s hoped that will not be the major obstacle it once was.
However, it seems one summer target is heading to the red side of Manchester, despite interest from St James’ Park..
Manchester United are currently in ‘pole position’ to beat Newcastle, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest to the signing of Liam Delap, according to Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports News.
The Ipswich forward will leave Portman Road this summer after his £25m release clause became active following confirmation of the Tractor Boys’ relegation to the Championship.
Delap has garnered much interest from Premier League sides, with the 22-year-old scoring 12in his maiden season in England’s top flight despite a difficult season for Kieran McKenna’s side.
One source told Kaveh that Manchester United are winning the race to sign Delap and that a “deal is close,” while it was also revealed that the ex-Manchester City would be willing to make the move; whether or not there will be Champions League nights at Old Trafford next season.
BREAKING: Man Utd are believed to be in pole position to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap 🚨
Sky Sports News understands the player would be happy to move to Old Trafford this summer 🔴 pic.twitter.com/FvdGMXgiBs
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 13, 2025
Previous information from journalist Ben Jacobs was that Delap was “expected to prioritise European football” when making his decision and would wait until after the season ends to see the landscape.
That no longer appears to be the case, however, with Delap seemingly willing to sign for Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils regardless of if they manage to beat Spurs in next Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Liam Delap is reportedly the second summer target of ours who opt to join Manchester United, with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha also expected to the end up in the North West.
It is believed that Newcastle are aiming to add two attacking players to their squad; a versatile right-winger and a centre-forward to rotate with Alexander Isak.
Cunha has a £62.5m release clause in his current deal and has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, again whether they can offer Champions League football next season or not.