Newcastle United’s search for another striker could see the club revisit a familiar target before the summer transfer window closes.
After missing out on Liam Delap before his move to Chelsea last year, the Magpies are again being linked with the England forward as uncertainty grows over his future at Stamford Bridge.
TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey reported Chelsea has made Delap available for transfer as part of new manager Xabi Alonso’s squad overhaul.
“As we also previously revealed, Alonso has informed
Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu and Delap that they are free to move on this summer as he looks to build an attack more suited to his style of play,” Bailey reported.
Bailey adds that Newcastle is among the clubs already exploring a potential deal.
“Leeds United and Newcastle United, both of whom looked at Delap before his move to Chelsea last summer, are also reported by sources to have reopened discussions in his signing, with both clubs described as retaining a firm interest. Both clubs remain in the market for a striker and have been kept informed of the player’s availability,” Bailey reported.
According to TEAMtalk, however, Everton currently leads the race for Delap after nearly signing him a year ago, with David Moyes able to offer the 23-year-old the regular first-team football he is seeking.
Bailey also reported that Delap’s representatives are in discussions with several Premier League clubs, while Brighton and Fulham have also held talks over the striker’s future.
According to Bailey, Chelsea is trying to wrap up Delap’s departure quickly to close that file and move on to other business amid the summer transfer window.
“Sources say the Blues are determined to avoid transfer sagas dragging into the final weeks of the window and would ideally like Delap’s next move agreed within the coming week as Alonso finalises his squad for the new season,” Bailey reported.
If the report is to be believed, then Delap remains firmly on the club’s radar in case the new Magpies manager decides he needs some more firepower up front, with only Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, and Will Osula as the three strikers in the squad.
With Delap seemingly back on Newcastle’s radar, should the Magpies reignite their pursuit or look elsewhere for a striker this summer? Share your verdict and who you’d target instead in the comments below.
