Newcastle United’s striker search is set to take a hit.
The Magpies are preparing their plans for the summer, with Eddie Howe keen to sign a striker.
Newcastle have targeted Liam Delap, as the 22-year-old prepares to leave Ipswich Town. He is available for £30million due to a relegation release clause in his contract.
It has been reported that Newcastle think Delap and Alexander Isak can play together, as the Magpies try to tempt the forward to Tyneside.
However, a deal currently looks unlikely.
Liam Delap transfer decision edges closer
That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that Delap is currently favouring a transfer to Manchester United.
“We’re hearing that Liam Delap’s camp are leaning towards a move to Old Trafford,” he said.
“It is a two-horse race between Manchester United and Chelsea, but it is the former who are the favourites.”
The summer transfer window is not even officially open, yet it looks like Newcastle United are going to miss out on two players to the Red Devils.
Not only is Delap ‘leaning towards’ joining Ruben Amorim’s side, Matheus Cunha is also on track to sign for Man United despite interest from Newcastle. That is a blow for Howe, who is eager for attacking reinforcements to arrive this summer.
Newcastle United could make Alexander Isak contract decision soon
With Delap’s current preference being to join Manchester United, the Magpies may need to take their striker search elsewhere.
Where Newcastle go next may depend on Alexander Isak’s future. The 25-year-old continues to attract a lot of interest, while Newcastle want Isak to sign a new contract.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
With the end of the 2024/25 season looming, Bailey does not believe it will be long until the striker’s contract situation is resolved.
“There are a lot of options out there for Newcastle,” Bailey added.
“It is all very dependent on the Alexander Isak contract situation. If they lose him, it is a completely different shopping list. You are looking at players like Benjamin Sesko.
“We should find out in the coming weeks what the situation with Isak’s contract is.”
The Sweden international has three years remaining on his current Toon contract. As it stands, Isak will be too expensive for any of his suitors.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
