Newcastle United have identified Chelsea striker Liam Delap as a potential summer target, GIVEMESPORT understands.
The 2025-26 season probably hasn't turned out how Newcastle would have wanted, as they lie mid-table in the Premier League and have been knocked out of all the domestic competitions.
The Magpies also suffered a humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona this week, as their 7-2 defeat at the Camp Nou saw them drop out of Europe's elite club competition at the last-16 stage, 8-3 on aggregate.
Eddie Howe now needs to get his side up for the remaining eight matches of the Premier League season, as they look to make a late push for a Champions League spot.
It's expected that a top-five finish will be enough to do that, with the Toon currently in ninth and seven points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool.
Newcastle have the perfect opportunity to start to move up the table when they host arch-rivals Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park on Sunday.
Howe Has Already Spoken to Delap
Eddie Howe
Newcastle and Howe know that Champions League football will significantly improve what they can do in the transfer market this summer.
According to GMS sources, they are already considering a move for Chelsea centre-forward Delap.
It has been a tough first season for the 23-year-old at Stamford Bridge following his £30m summer move from Ipswich Town, and he has just one Premier League goal to his name in 21 appearances.
The Englishman has two goals overall in 31 outings for the Blues, and while Chelsea have not yet opened the door for Delap to leave this summer, suitors feel a move could be possible in the summer.
GMS understands that Delap actually met Howe in person last summer before opting to join Chelsea, and he was impressed with what the 48-year-old and Newcastle had to say.
Newcastle Stars Linked With Exit
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes smiles as he walks into St James' Park
While Newcastle are looking at incomings, a number of their players are being linked with summer moves away from St James' Park.
According to GMS sources, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is on Manchester United's midfield shortlist, with the Brazilian having a verbal 'gentlemen's agreement' that he can explore options for a move to a Champions League club, should Newcastle not be in the Champions League.
United director of football Jason Wilcox is driving the interest in Guimaraes, GMS understands, but the Magpies won't want to lose their captain this summer.
The Brazilian's midfield teammate Sandro Tonali is also being eyed by United, along with Arsenal and Manchester City, as he gains admiring glances from the top Premier League clubs.
Along with those two, Tino Livramento has been linked with a move to Manchester City.
It could be a summer of change at St James' Park, but Newcastle clearly have their eye on incomings as we enter the Premier League run-in.