Liam Delap
Newcastle United are among the clubs battling for Liam Delap's signature this summer according to reports
As the 2024/25 Premier League campaign draws to a close this weekend, attention is already turning to the transfer market and how clubs can strengthen ahead of next season.
Newcastle United have enjoyed an outstanding year under Eddie Howe, ending their 70-year wait for domestic silverware with victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final back in March. The Magpies are also on the verge of a return to the Champions League, though the job of securing a top-five finish isn’t quite done yet with one game still to play this weekend.
That said, should they secure a spot in UEFA’s premier competition, Newcastle will be back competing at the highest level this summer. It would also put them in a stronger position to retain their top performers, many of whom are understandably attracting interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.
With that in mind, ChronicleLive has taken a look at the latest Newcastle transfer news and rumours ahead of the summer window...
Newcastle 'mystified' by striker link
Newcastle United are not pursuing a move for Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, contrary to recent reports. Rumours emerged this week suggesting the 24-year-old Nigeria international was on the verge of completing a move to St James’ Park, but those claims have now been put to bed.
According to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, Newcastle’s hierarchy are understood to be baffled by the reports linking them with the player and insist they are not actively pursuing a deal. Edwards also stated it is the club’s belief that Leverkusen are eager to offload Boniface this summer and are using Newcastle’s name to generate interest.
Boniface has also been linked with a move to Saudi side Al-Nassr.
ChronicleLive says: “These were definitely bizarre reports when they first came out, so it's no surprise they have been swiftly shut down by the club. We all know Newcastle are in the market for a striker this summer to act as an understudy for Alexander Isak, rather than replace him.
"The fee Leverkusen are rumoured to be after is around £42 million, which would be a significant outlay for someone who would not come in as first choice."
Liam Delap chase heats up
One striker link that has not been dismissed is Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. The former Manchester City forward is expected to be on the move this summer following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship, and a number of Premier League clubs are reportedly eyeing a cut-price deal.
According to talkSPORT, Newcastle are the latest club to join the race for his signature and are set to hold talks with the player at the end of the season. The Magpies are reportedly keen to trigger his £30m release clause, though Delap has plenty to consider when deciding his next move.
The article adds that the opportunity to play European football is likely to factor into his decision, with Chelsea and Manchester United also believed to be interested. Delap has scored 12 goals in 35 Premier League appearances this season, which is an impressive return for a player in a team that spent the campaign battling near the bottom of the table.
The Guardian have also reported that the Magpies have expressed their belief that Delap can play alongside Isak up front.
ChronicleLive says: “Delap represents a much more realistic option for Newcastle this summer to replace Callum Wilson in the squad, especially at the price of his release clause. "That said, it will be interesting to see whether he would want to play second fiddle to Isak, who Newcastle have no intention of selling, when he would likely be first choice elsewhere.
"But there’s no denying St James’ Park will be an attractive destination for players this summer.”