Newcastle are beginning to step up their pursuit of Liam Delap.
The Ipswich No.19 has impressed in the Premier League this season with 12 goals and two assists, which are all the more impressive when you consider just how much the Tractor Boys struggled.
As a result, Eddie Howe is now pushing to bring the 22-year-old to St James’ Park, after his £30m release clause became active in the event of relegation.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 17 |  |
37 | 11 | 5 | 21 | 63 | 61 | 2 | 38 |
| 18 |  |
37 | 6 | 7 | 24 | 33 | 78 | -45 | 25 |
| 19 |  |
37 | 4 | 10 | 23 | 35 | 79 | -44 | 22 |
| 20 |  |
37 | 2 | 6 | 29 | 25 | 84 | -59 | 12 |
The Guardian believe Newcastle have been “wooing” the England U21 international behind the scenes as they attempt to beat Manchester United and Chelsea to his signature.
Interestingly, Howe has already commented on Liam Delap as this transfer saga rumbles on.
Eddie Howe thinks Liam Delap has “a lot of potential”
Ahead of the Premier League clash between Newcastle and Ipswich at the end of April, which the Magpies won 3-0, the 47-year-old was asked about the Ipswich talisman.
Howe praised Delap – who Jamie Carragher told to join Everton – saying: “He’s a pivotal player for them. There is no denying that. He’s had a very good season.
“He’s got big strengths. Very strong, powerful runner. Knows where the goal is. He’s had a really good season. He’s always had a lot of potential. You could see from the very early times we’ve played against him previously what a threat he can be.”
Managers usually refrain from commenting about players at another club, so it was intriguing to see Howe speak so expansively on what he thinks about Delap, which suggests he really is trying to woo the Manchester City academy graduate.
Liam Delap far more likely to replace Callum Wilson than Alexander Isak
Arsenal view Alexander Isak as a dream signing, and with Liverpool also chasing the Swede, some fans of these clubs might get excited about the Delap news, assuming it means he is arriving as a replacement.
Liam Delap was 🤏this🤏 close to one of the all-time great solo goals! pic.twitter.com/sb1zux9uvQ
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 17, 2024
However, the Ipswich talisman is far likelier to join as a replacement for Callum Wilson.
The England international sees his contract expire in June, and at the age of 33, is set to be released.
TBR Football understand West Ham want Wilson on a free transfer, meaning Delap is set to compete against Isak if a deal materialises, rather than replace the Sweden international.
