Newcastle United are expected to sign several players in the summer transfer window.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell is sure to have his hands full on Tyneside this summer, juggling contract extensions, potential exits and of course, new signings.
Newcastle United took a sensible approach to the January transfer window, opting not to sign anyone because of the ongoing pressures of PSR – it wasn’t for want of trying, however.
Mitchell wanted Abdukodir Khusanov at Newcastle and at one point it looked like the young defender was set for a move to the North East. PSR forced Newcastle to back out of the deal and Khusanov joined Manchester City instead.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has praised Khusanov for his performances since moving to the Premier League, something that will make Newcastle fans wonder what could’ve been.
The Magpies may also look to sign a striker in the summer, with Callum Wilson’s contract expiring and William Osula not trusted by Eddie Howe in important games.
With Alexander Isak’s future up in the air, Mitchell has turned his attention to another Premier League striker who has garnered praise from Wayne Rooney for his performances this season.
Wayne Rooney on Newcastle target Liam Delap
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has enjoyed a great season, despite the Tractor Boys’ struggles to pick up points.
So far this campaign, Delap has registered 10 goals and two assists in the Premier League, making him one of the competition’s top scorers.
Newcastle are interested in Delap who only joined Ipswich for £20m last summer. By no means will it be easy to bring him to the North East, however, with Chelsea and Manchester United both eyeing a move for the 22-year-old.
There is an apparent lack of No. 9s across Europe, with the options looking sparse. Those who are available will come at a price.
Former Man United striker Rooney spoke to BBC about those issues and Delap’s form this season.
“Liam is someone I looked at for the clubs I’ve been at, and he is a fantastic player,” Rooney said. “He is a powerful lad and has a great physique to play the role he does.
“He probably surprised a few people by going to Ipswich, but he has scored some great goals.
“Ipswich are struggling in the league, so it is not always that easy for him, and I have seen a few games where he can get frustrated because he is not getting the service – exactly the problem I was talking about with United.
“But Liam has a massive amount of potential and I am sure he is going to have a fantastic career.
“I can see why the top clubs are being linked with him, but they are all going for the same players, because there is a shortage of number nines.”
Despite playing in a deeper midfield role towards the end of his career Rooney was regarded as one of the world’s best strikers in his early playing career. Rooney claimed he nearly joined Newcastle as an 18-year-old when he was still playing for Everton. He would’ve been managed by Sir Bobby Robson and played alongside Alan Shearer.
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Wayne Rooney’s high praise for Alexander Isak
Isak has been sensational this season, showing why he is Newcastle’s record signing with his 22 goals in all competitions.
His performances mean that there are eyes on him going towards the end of the season. Reports suggest that Liverpool want Isak to replace Mohamed Salah who looks set to leave on a free transfer.
Speaking to the BBC, Rooney spoke about Isak’s transfer speculation.
“Isak would fit into any team,” he said. “He has been fantastic over the past couple of years and scored a lot of goals. His link-up play and movement is brilliant too.
“You look at any team in the Premier League, and whether it is United and Arsenal or Liverpool then he would improve them, but I also think it will be very difficult to get him out of Newcastle. Why would they sell him?”
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