It looks like a case of back to the drawing board for Newcastle United after they were rejected by Liam Delap.
Delap was a target for Newcastle United heading into the summer transfer window, though that saga has come to a rather disappointing close.
Indeed, Delap is set to join Chelsea from Ipswich, having chosen the Blues over the rest of the suitors keen on his services.
That is an early blow to Eddie Howe. Naturally, Howe wants Newcastle to sign players quickly ahead of the new season, but the pursuit of Delap appears to have come to nothing.
Still, Keith Downie has provided a promising update on social media in regard to Newcastle transfer news.
Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Newcastle United move on to other targets after Liam Delap decision
The Sky Sports journalist took to social media platform X after the news about Delap going to Chelsea broke.
While it’s obviously a blow, he confirmed that Delap was in fact not the only target Newcastle had on their radar.
Downie did not name any of the targets but did suggest the Ipswich forward wasn’t the only striker Newcastle were looking at during the summer transfer window.
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Hopefully, they can go out and sign one to ease the burden on Alexander Isak.
Why Newcastle United need to sign a new striker this summer
Isak is one of the best strikers in Europe but even he needs a back-up.
As Newcastle saw towards the end of the season, relying on the superstar Sweden international even when he’s not fully fit is a risk.
Isak did not score from open play in his final five games last season amid suggestions he wasn’t at his physical best, although he did successfully convert two penalties.
Callum Wilson is set to leave Newcastle this summer and William Osula remains untested at the highest level.
Despite having one of the best strikers in the game at the moment, Newcastle are in desperate need of another.