Newcastle set sights on Chelsea flop ahead of summer overhaul
Eddie Howe could target the Chelsea striker amid uncertainty surrounding several key Newcastle players but face competition from Everton
Newcastle United are stepping up their pursuit of a striker in the summer, as Eddie Howe prepares for what could become a significant summer rebuild at St James’ Park.
Uncertainty continues to surround several Newcastle players ahead of the transfer window. Anthony Gordon is reportedly keen to explore opportunities away from the club, with Bayern Munich interested in the England international.
Additionally, the two forwards that Newcastle signed last summer – Yoane Wissa from Brentford for €57 million and Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for €75m – have failed to live up to their steep price tags. Wissa has managed just one Premier League goal while Woltemade, despite a strong start to the season, has not scored in the league since December.
As a result, Howe is expected to prioritise attacking reinforcements and among those on Newcastle’s shortlist is Chelsea striker Liam Delap.
According to GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs, the Magpies are closely monitoring the Chelsea striker, despite an underwhelming campaign after having signed from Ipswich Town last summer.
“There will be outgoings [at Chelsea] and one could be Liam Delap,” Jacobs said.
“My information is that the player would like to stay and fight for his place, and if you’re Liam Delap, even with João Pedro locking down that lead number 9 role, you’re maybe waiting to see who the new manager is, but there is interest in Liam Delap, particularly, I’m told, from Newcastle United, who will add another striker this summer.”
Delap has endured a frustrating campaign at Chelsea, making only a limited impact in the Premier League. João Pedro’s strong performances have established the Brazilian as Chelsea’s preferred striker, leaving Delap struggling for consistent minutes and rhythm.
The 23-year-old has scored only once in the league this season, and injuries have further complicated his development during an already difficult year.
According to The Athletic, sources close to the player believe Delap has found it challenging to adapt to his reduced role at Chelsea. The lack of regular starts has reportedly prevented him from building momentum or confidence throughout the campaign.
Everton monitoring situation as striker market heats up
Everton are also pushing to sign Delap as David Moyes looks to overhaul his attacking options following an inconsistent 2025/26 season.
Moyes is understood to view Delap as a player capable of bringing physicality, movement and long-term potential to Everton’s frontline.
However, Newcastle’s growing interest could complicate Everton’s plans. Should the Magpies succeed in landing Delap, Everton may instead intensify their interest in another Chelsea striker, Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson’s future remains uncertain after his loan spell at Bayern Munich failed to develop into a permanent transfer.
The Senegal international spent much of the season as Harry Kane’s understudy in Germany, with Bayern ultimately deciding against activating the conditions required for a permanent deal.
