Newcastle United still have several areas of their squad to strengthen before the transfer window closes, and adding another attacking option appears to remain high on Matthias Jaissle’s list of priorities. The Magpies have already made significant changes to their squad, but the need for greater depth and competition in the forward positions means further business cannot be ruled out.
One name that has increasingly emerged as a realistic possibility is Chelsea striker Liam Delap. The 23-year-old’s future at Stamford Bridge appears increasingly uncertain just one year after Chelsea paid Ipswich Town £30 million (€35 million) to secure his services. Delap is also understood to be keen on remaining in the Premier League, making Newcastle an attractive destination if the two clubs can reach an agreement.
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Delap is “open” to the possibility of joining Newcastle, with a move to St James’ Park reportedly appealing to the England striker. Importantly, the competition for places within Newcastle’s forward line would not necessarily discourage him from making the move.
“Chelsea striker Liam Delap is ‘open’ to the idea of a move to Newcastle United,” O’Rourke reported. “Sources have indicated that a move to St James’ Park would appeal to Delap, and he would not be put off by the existing competition in the Newcastle squad.”
That development could represent an important boost for Newcastle, particularly because the club’s interest in Delap is not believed to be new. The Magpies were reportedly keen on the striker before he eventually chose Chelsea last summer, meaning there is already an established level of interest from the Premier League side.
TransferFeed has also reported that Delap is hoping Newcastle will take the next step by formally presenting an offer to Chelsea. Such a development would suggest that the player himself would welcome the opportunity to turn Newcastle’s long-standing interest into a concrete transfer.
However, negotiations could prove difficult because of Chelsea’s reported asking price.
Chelsea paid around £30 million for Delap last year, but O’Rourke claims the London club could now demand as much as £50 million (€58 million) to sanction his departure. That valuation would represent a substantial increase on Chelsea’s original investment, despite Delap experiencing a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge.
The striker managed just one goal in 28 Premier League appearances last season, a return that would make Newcastle understandably cautious about committing such a sizeable fee. While Delap’s age, physical attributes and previous performances at Ipswich mean there is still significant potential, Newcastle will have to decide whether he is worth paying a premium for.
O’Rourke described Chelsea’s valuation as the current “sticking point” for all three clubs believed to be interested in the forward.
“The ability to agree a fee with Chelsea is currently providing a ‘sticking point’ for all three potential suitors,” O’Rourke reported. “Newcastle and Delap are both keen to make a move to the North East happen, but it may depend on whether Chelsea are willing to budge from their lofty demands.”
Everton and Nottingham Forest are also reportedly monitoring the situation, potentially creating competition for Delap’s signature. If multiple clubs are prepared to make offers, Chelsea could have little reason to immediately lower their asking price.
Newcastle, however, are described as a “firm part of the race” and could have an advantage because of their long-standing interest in the player. The Magpies previously failed to secure Delap when they explored a move last summer, with the striker ultimately deciding that Chelsea was the right destination.
Now, just 12 months later, circumstances appear to have changed dramatically. Delap could be available again, and this time the player appears receptive to a move to Tyneside.
The major question is whether Chelsea will soften their financial demands. Previous reports had suggested the Blues might be willing to simply recover the £30 million they spent on Delap, but the latest £50 million valuation represents a significant shift.
For Newcastle, the situation could therefore come down to patience and negotiation. The player’s willingness to move, combined with the Magpies’ existing interest, gives the club encouragement. But unless Chelsea reduce their demands, Newcastle may have to consider whether investing £50 million in a striker coming off a modest Premier League campaign represents good value.
With the transfer window entering its final stages, Delap’s future could become one of the more interesting attacking transfer situations to watch. If Newcastle can persuade Chelsea to compromise on the fee, the 23-year-old could yet get the opportunity to restart his Premier League career at St James’ Park.
