Newcastle United have enjoyed themselves of late, ending a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy and sealing their place in next season's Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season.
Though the Magpies will still have to skate a thin line that represents the division's Profit and Sustainability rules, the windfall from returning to Europe's elite table is significant.
More importantly, perhaps, it means Alexander Isak will remain at St. James' Park next term, as per David Ornstein. However, with the future of 33-year-old Callum Wilson uncertain, Eddie Howe has been determined to sign a new number nine to add depth and dynamism to the forward ranks.
Newcastle United's Callum Wilson salutes their fans after the match
The latest on Newcastle's striker search
Sadly, if Newcastle do manage to sign a new centre-forward this summer, it won't be Liam Delap. The Ipswich Town striker has been one of the most sought-after names on the market in the build-up to the transfer window, and it's Chelsea who have convinced him to join their project.
This is a blow for the Tynesiders, but they do have a contingency plan. Spanish reports suggest a bid could be tabled for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro, while Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin may join as Isak's understudy, a shrewd move given he's out of contract at the end of the month.
However, there's no question Delap would have been a stunning addition.
Ipswich Town's Liam Delap reacts
Aged 22 and just one year into his top-flight career, he might have failed to prevent Ipswich's relegation but he did all within his power, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League and earning praise for his aggression from Alan Shearer, who noted Delap's a proper "nuisance to play against."
However, all's not lost: Howe might just find a rising talent in Newcastle's youth ranks who could eclipse Delap in the years to come.
Liam-Delap
Howe already has a bigger talent than Liam Delap
Journalist Bence Bocsak has described Vakhtang Salia as being a part of the "elite talent" that Dinamo Tbilisi continue to churn out with consistency.
It's a good thing Newcastle moved to snap him up when they did, agreeing a deal last year that will see the 17-year-old join the Premier League when he reaches adulthood in August.
Regarded as one of the "best prospects in the world" by reporter Graeme Bailey, Georgia youth international Salia reportedly chose United over the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid, and could find himself proving his worth on the senior stage at Newcastle next season.
He's only young, but already Salia is fostering an interesting ability to make an impact across a range of attacking positions. Howe will decide how to guide the teenager to the fore, but it's clear he's at his best when fielded at number nine.
Vakhtang Salia - Career Stats by Position
Position
Centre-forward
Left winger
Right winger
Attacking midfield
Data via Transfermarkt
Profiled by talent scout Jacek Kulig as a powerful and technically sound forward who likes to dribble and take opponents on in one-vs-one situations, Salia might just have the making of a career similar to Delap's.
The English striker ranks among the top 13% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues this season for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.
This rising prospect will be joining Howe's Newcastle project at the perfect time, and though it would be foolish to throw him into the deep end from the off, careful progress over the coming years could see Salia bloom into a superstar.
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Newcastle are prepared to make a series of exciting signings in the transfer market.