Newcastle identify £40m release clause - The perfect Callum Wilson replacement?

Come the end of this season, there’s a very real chance that Alexander Isak and Will Osula are the only senior strikers at Newcastle United.

Callum Wilson’s seemingly imminent departure upon the expiry of his current contract leaves a big hole in the squad, and a potentially big opportunity for a striker to join of the Premier League’s top attacking sides under Eddie Howe.

Fortunately, it looks like the Magpies are already in the market for one of the division’s most-exciting players, who may just fit Newcastle like a glove.

Newcastle eye up Liam Delap deal

Newcastle could be involved in one of the transfer sagas of the summer, with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap being wanted by a number of top Premier League sides.

In an exclusive from Chris Wheeler at The Mail, it’s revealed that Delap has a £40m release clause in his contract with the Tractor Boys which will become active this summer if Ipswich are relegated.

Boasting goals, power and a season of Premier League experience, Delap is a huge young talent who could fit into Howe’s squad brilliantly - but we’ll face competition for his signature.

Who else is interested?

Newcastle will be facing stiff competition for Delap’s signature, all of whom are in desperate need for an extra goalscorer.

According to Wheeler, Manchester United have held internal discussions over a potential move for Delap. Chelsea and Liverpool also hold a degree of interest, while Newcastle are monitoring his situation closely.

Manchester City also have a buyback clause after they sold him to Ipswich last year, but it remains to be seen if Pep Guardiola will make a move to strengthen his attack, which is currently missing the injured Erling Haaland. 

The perfect player for Newcastle?

The current striker market is lacking affordable options and incredibly inflated prices, such is the case that Eintracht Frankfurt are asking for close to €80m for former target Hugo Ekitike.

Liam Delap at £40m, however, feels like it could be one of the bargain buys that Newcastle would be all over, similar to the recent signings of Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento: all young, English, and of a similar transfer fee.

With 10 goals and two assists so far in the Premier League this season, zero absences through injury, and an immense physical presence, the prospect of Delap either off the bench or alongside Isak is mouthwatering.

Plus, Delap fits the ethos of Howe and Paul Mitchell in that his youth, experience and potential resale value tick their boxes with flying colours.