Man Utd transfer target to visit St James’ Park amid Newcastle United and release clause update

Liam Delap’s future has dominated headlines in recent weeks, with the former Manchester City man seemingly destined to leave Portman Road this summer. A return of 12 goals in his first season as a Premier League striker has seen Delap catch the attention of many top clubs.

Newcastle United’s search for a striker, one that can deputise in place of Alexander Isak to allow the Swedish international adequate rest, has seen Delap’s name crop up as a potential option. However, Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with a move this summer.

Liam Delap transfer latest

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle United are set to rival Manchester United for Delap this summer. The Magpies are currently locked in a battle for Champions League qualification with five games of the Premier League season to go.

Delap and Ipswich Town are their next opponents, with Saturday potentially proving a pivotal day for both clubs. A win for the hosts would see them end the day third in the Premier League table, whilst anything but victory for the Tractor Boys would see their one season stay in the Premier League come to an end.

If Ipswich fail to win on Tyneside, or West Ham avoid defeat against Brighton at the London Stadium, then their relegation back to the Championship will be confirmed. That eventuality would also activate a release clause in Delap’s contract - one that would allow any club to secure his services for just £30m this summer.

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That fee would represent great value for money for a striker who has already proven more than capable at Premier League level with a release clause also removing the power Ipswich have to negotiate a higher fee for their talisman. Manchester City are also set to profit if Delap moves clubs this summer after inserting a 20% sell-on clause into the deal that saw the striker swap the Etihad Stadium for Portman Road last summer.

Newcastle United’s potential Delap transfer stumbling block

Whilst Delap will likely be tempted by a move to the north east, a lack of gametime at St James’ park could prove to be a stumbling block to a move. Isak is the club’s first-choice and will play more games than not when he is fit.

Newcastle’s search for a deputy for Isak will likely see them rebuffed by players who have their eyes set on being a regular first-choice option. Delap, who has enjoyed being Ipswich’s talisman this season, may feel he is ready for that step at the current stage of his career.

Whilst there will be chances to play in league, cup and European games as Isak’s gametime is managed next season, most strikers are likely to find more minutes on the pitch elsewhere.

Newcastle’s main selling point, as it has been throughout Eddie Howe’s time at the club, will be the project and the long-term successes that can be achieved. Furthermore, players like Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon and Dan Burn have all been handed their debut England caps under Howe - something Delap will be eyeing up in the not too distant future.

Your next Newcastle United read: Sky Sports provide major update on NUFC transfer as Chelsea ‘consider’ triggering clause