Following news of Paul Mitchell’s departure, Newcastle United could be about to suffer a transfer setback.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that Paul Mitchell is going to leave Newcastle United less than 12 months after being appointed as sporting director.
Newcastle are now looking for his replacement, but a decision over who that could be is not imminent.
In the meantime, Newcastle’s summer transfer plans will not change. A strategy is already in place and targets have been identified.
However, one target could be about to pass Eddie Howe by.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Newcastle United not favourites to sign Liam Delap
Howe wants to sign a striker, with Newcastle interested in Liam Delap.
The 22-year-old is available for £30million, and has been holding talks with potential suitors. Delap has spoken to Newcastle, but it is not the Magpies who are at the front of the queue to win his signature.
According to the Guardian, there is ‘growing noise’ that Chelsea are now the favourites to secure the Ipswich Town striker’s services.
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Manchester United were favourites for Delap, but their hope of signing him took a major hit when the Red Devils lost the Europa League final and subsequently missed out on Champions League qualification.
Newcastle United target alternative striker
Newcastle have always been fighting a losing battle when it comes to Delap, and it could soon be confirmed that they have in fact lost.
That will be a shame, as a £30million deal for Delap represented great value.
However, he is not the only striker that is on the Magpies’ radar.
Newcastle are interested in Joao Pedro too, with the Brazilian attacker looking to leave Brighton this summer.
While the 23-year-old will cost more than Delap, he would arrive with a lot more Premier League experience.
A deal would give him the chance to make up for lost time, with Newcastle nearly signing Pedro in 2022.
A £30million move to St James’ Park from Watford collapsed, with Newcastle signing Alexander Isak instead.
Fast forward three years and Eddie Howe could have both in his Newcastle United squad.