David Ornstein says Newcastle United are ‘top contenders’ for Liam Delap as imminent transfer timeline revealed

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Newcastle United transfer target Liam Delap looks to be in demand this summer.

Having qualified for the Champions League, Newcastle United appear to be in a strong position to sign players again.

Eddie Howe didn’t see his squad strengthened to any meaningful degree either before or during the 2024/25 campaign. Still, Newcastle’s summer transfer budget could be £150million, which is a major boost for the Newcastle United manager. 

Delap is just one of the targets being touted for a move to St James’ Park. The Ipswich striker scored 12 Premier League goals during an otherwise bleak season at Portman Road. 

Indeed, Delap has a release clause worth £30million so is naturally being linked with a number of other clubs such as Everton, Chelsea and Manchester United. 

Newcastle are thought to have held talks with Delap’s agents and The Athletic’s David Ornstein shared an update on his future on Sunday. 

• Every player linked with Newcastle in summer transfer window: Latest news and prices on Eddie Howe’s targets

Liam Delap decision imminent amid Newcastle United talks 

Noted transfer expert Ornstein was speaking to NBC Sports about all the big name transfers that could be on the cards now the Premier League season has come to a close.

During the discussion, he referenced Delap’s future.

Ipswich have already confirmed Delap has held talks with other clubs and Ornstein revealed he was expecting a decision to be made on his future “within the next week”. 

“Liam Delap is going to be a big name on the agenda,” he said.  

“Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle are the three top contenders for him. We’re going to get a decision, I think, within the next week or so.”

Before Newcastle’s match with Everton on Sunday, Howe confirmed he wanted to sign players quickly this summer. 

Liam Delap’s huge salary demands at his next club

At 22 and having already proven he can score goals in the Premier League, the England U21 international is in a strong bargaining position. 

The fact he’s available reasonably cheaply also plays into his hands. This is a player on the up and suitors know they won’t have to break the bank to sign him, making him a much more attractive target.  

Still, just because there’s a release clause doesn’t mean the striker would come particularly cheaply.

Delap reportedly wants up to £150k-per-week at his next club, a salary which would make him one of Newcastle’s biggest earners.

Bruno Guimaraes is Newcastle’s highest-paid player on a reported salary of £160k-per-week. To break the bank on Delap when he surely wouldn’t start over Alexander Isak on a regular basis would be a huge call.