Newcastle United’s interest in Liam Delap has gathered momentum in the final weeks of the transfer window, and Magpies legend Alan Shearer believes St. James’ Park could provide exactly the opportunity the Chelsea striker needs.
Delap is reportedly open to joining Newcastle after a difficult first season at Chelsea, while the Magpies have maintained their interest after missing out on the striker last summer.
Shearer, via Betfair, believes the 23-year-old made the wrong choice in choosing Chelsea and
cannot afford another season without regular minutes.
“I thought it was a poor move for him going to Chelsea anyway, because he was never ever going to be the number one choice there,” Shearer said. “It would have been far better off going to another Premier League club where he was going to play regularly and gain more experience and gain more minutes.”
Delap scored just once in 28 Premier League appearances last season after Chelsea paid Ipswich Town £30 million (€35 million) for him. Despite that disappointing campaign, Shearer remains convinced the striker possesses the talent he displayed at Ipswich.
“I think the move he makes now will probably be the move he should have made before Chelsea,” Shearer said. “So, he’s lost a year of valuable learning time. But there’s no doubt there’s talent in there.”
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Delap is “open” to Newcastle and joining the Magpies “would appeal” to him. TransferFeed similarly reported that the striker is hoping Newcastle submits a formal bid, although Chelsea’s valuation could complicate negotiations.
Anyway, Shearer believes Delap’s priority should simply be finding a club capable of giving him consistent playing time.
“Wherever he goes, first of all he has to play and play regularly,” Shearer said. “I don’t think he will go to a top six club, so I guess it will be a mid-range team that could push for European football.
“You could look at Aston Villa, Newcastle or someone like that. It all just depends on how much Chelsea are looking to get for him.”
That last point could decide Newcastle’s involvement. Chelsea has reportedly demanded as much as £50 million (€58 million), considerably more than the £30 million it paid last summer, leaving the Magpies with a decision to make despite Delap seemingly being receptive to the move.
Do you agree with Shearer’s view of Delap as a perfect fit for Newcastle, even if it takes £50 million to land him? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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