Newcastle United can agree £40m deal for Manchester United & Liverpool target - on one condition
Newcastle United are among the Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
The 22-year-old joined Ipswich from Manchester City in a deal worth £20million last summer and despite playing in a struggling team has scored 11 goals in 28 league appearances. The Tractor Boys are set to be relegated back to the Championship but Delap is tipped to remain in England’s top-flight.
Kieran McKenna’s side are nine points adrift of 17th place Wolverhampton Wanderers with eight matches left to play. Should relegation happen as predicted then Delap has a release clause in the region of £40m that will become active during the summer months.
Mail Online reports that Manchester United have held discussions internally over a move, though they will face competition for his signature from Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool. Former club Man City also have the option of a buyback clause.
Callum Wilson’s future
Whether or not Newcastle attempt to bring in a striker this summer will depend largely on Callum Wilson’s future. Wilson is out of contract this summer and there has been no talk of an extension yet.
The 33-year-old has been a prolific scorer for United since joining from AFC Bournemouth for £20m in 2022, with his 47 goals in 103 appearances putting him third in the club’s all-time Premier League goalscorer chart.
However, it is staying fit that has been Wilson’s biggest challenge with the number nine restricted to just two starts in all competitions this term.
Click here to join NewcastleWorld's dedicated NUFC WhatsApp channel for news, videos and voice notes. CLICK THE BELL FOR NOTIFICATIONS.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has previously warned it’d take a lot of money to replace Wilson with someone of similar quality.
“Yes, I totally agree,” Howe said in February. “And that's why Callum's a really valuable player for us. I think it seems like the art of goal-scoring and strikers, that they're diminishing. I don't see a huge number of strikers in world football that can do what Callum can do.
“The big thing for us is, can we keep him fit, keep him on the pitch? And then there's no doubting his ability.”
Jonathan David also linked
As reported by NewcastleWorld in January, Howe’s side are considering a move for Lille striker Jonathan David.
The 25-year-old is out of contract this summer and isn’t expected to extend his five-year stay at the French side. Having scored 107 goals in 224 appearances during that time, David is set to become one of the most sought after free agents in world football.
And David’s most recent comments on his future will appeal nicely to Howe. Any potential incoming would likely arrive as second choice striker behind Alexander Isak but the Canadian has pledged to fight for his place wherever he ends up after admitting no position is guaranteed.
Speaking after netting the winner in Canada’s 2-1 CONCACAF Nations League victory over USA on Sunday, David told Golazo America: "Obviously, with this summer going on, I am not sure if I am staying or going. But if I do end up going, I have to push myself at the very highest level.
“When you play for a big club, your position [in the team] is never guaranteed and you need to fight. I am never guaranteed anywhere I go to start every game and play every game, I have to perform. I am willing to fight. I know it's an important year. It is a big decision. I will make a wise decision.”