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Liam Delap is of major interest to Newcastle as they plan for an ambitious summer recruitment drive - Action Images/John Sibley
Newcastle United are keen on a summer move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap and will be keeping a close eye on him when the two sides meet this weekend.
The club’s recruitment team have been tracking Delap since his Manchester City academy days and he is a player of major interest to them as they plan for an ambitious summer recruitment drive.
Newcastle are aware of the release clause in Delap’s contract that will enable him to leave Ipswich for around £30 million if the Suffolk club are relegated. Newcastle believe that is good value for a striker who has scored 12 goals in a team who have struggled after promotion to the top flight.
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Delap played for Manchester City six times after graduating from the club’s academy
Delap, 22, is also a target for Manchester United and has previously been linked to Chelsea, but Newcastle believe they are also in the running and the player would consider a move to the North East, especially if they secure Champions League qualification.
With manager Eddie Howe returning to lead the side against Ipswich this weekend after his recovery from pneumonia, Newcastle are currently fifth in the table, but could move back up to third if they win on Saturday.
Delap would be a different sort of offensive option for Newcastle alongside main striker Alexander Isak. As well as being able to rotate their strike force if Delap signs, there is a view that Isak and Delap could play alongside each other.
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Newcastle believe Delap could play alongside Alexander Isak (pictured) up front - Reuters/Scott Heppell
Delap’s strength and link-up play could free up Isak to cause even more damage to opposition defences as he would not be the sole focus for centre-backs.
Newcastle’s interest in Delap does not mean Callum Wilson’s time on Tyneside is definitely coming to an end.
The 33-year-old has endured an injury-ravaged campaign, but has been told to prove he deserves a contract extension in the remaining games of the season.
Howe values his presence in the dressing room and he is part of the players’ leadership group. With European football to contend with next season, Newcastle’s hierarchy, including sporting director Paul Mitchell, know they need greater strength in depth to cope with the extra games, regardless of what competition they are in.
However, as one of the club’s top earners, it remains to be seen whether they activate a one-year extension option in Wilson’s contract in the summer, especially as he would fall to third choice if Newcastle land Delap.
Nevertheless, with William Osula likely to be sent out on loan next season as the Denmark Under-21 international needs greater exposure to first-team football, Wilson could yet prolong his five-year stay on Tyneside.
Another striker heavily linked with a move to Newcastle is Lille’s Canada international Jonathan David, but Telegraph Sport understands that although the player has been scouted regularly, he is likely to be heading elsewhere as a free agent in the summer.
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