Newcastle United’s striker search is continuing after Liam Delap decided his future.
The Magpies did try to strike a deal for the forward, but Delap has chosen to join Chelsea instead.
Delap’s decision has been criticised, with the 22-year-old wanting to be a guaranteed starter. That is a luxury he would not be afforded at Newcastle United as long as Alexander Isak is at the club.
His stance sums up why Newcastle will struggle to sign a striker.
But they must find a solution, as Callum Wilson is set to leave on a free transfer and Will Osula is not yet at the level required to be Isak’s main understudy.
Free transfer suggested to Newcastle United
One solution that could present itself to the Magpies is Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
That is the opinion of TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about the strikers Newcastle United could target next after missing out on Delap to Chelsea.
“There are options out there despite missing out on Liam Delap,” he said.
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“The likes of Tammy Abraham are available. I think, personally, that Eddie Howe will be very intrigued by getting Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer. That is one to keep an eye on.
“Depending on what kind of deal he is offered, he could be a good option for Newcastle. If they were to get Calvert-Lewin on a free, it would mean they can spend more money on other positions.
“If Isak does stay, there is only a certain type of striker who will be willing to come in and be second choice.
“It does not look likely that Calvert-Lewin will sign a new contract at Everton.”
What Newcastle must do if they sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Signing Calvert-Lewin would perhaps not be the most popular decision that Newcastle United could make.
However, he might be an ideal option given the finances required to land someone like Joao Pedro from Brighton.
When it comes to Newcastle’s summer budget, most of it needs to go towards a centre-back and a winger.
As for their striker search, Newcastle are not going to find much value in that market. Delap represented a great opportunity at £30million, and that resulted in so many clubs targeting him.
Therefore, getting a player like Calvert-Lewin on a free might make sense – on one condition.
Newcastle absolutely must sign a right winger this summer, and it would be an added bonus if they can play centrally as well. That would give Howe another option through the middle, and it would mean signing Calvert-Lewin on a free would be less of a risk.
That is why Bryan Mbeumo would have been a great addition to the Newcastle United squad. However, Geordie Boot Boys understand that Newcastle were put off by Mbeumo’s asking price.