Newcastle step up interest in £30m deal with Jonathan David set to sign elsewhere
Newcastle United not only plan to keep Alexander Isak this summer, they are also looking to bring in another striker to compete with the Swede ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Several names have been linked and an update has arrived today on a potential target who looks set to be available at a bargain fee following a breakthrough season in the Premier League.
Here is the latest via The Telegraph's man in the North East, Luke Edwards.
£30m deal set to be targeted?
It looks like Newcastle United have their sights set on Ipswich Town's Liam Delap as we bid to bolster our forward line next season.
According to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, Newcastle will battle Man Utd for his signature, feeling the 12-goal striker represents real value for money with a £30m release clause set to be active in his contract this summer.
The report states that Delap would consider a move to St James' Park - especially if Champions League football is secured - and could even be used to play alongside Isak, not just as cover for our free-scoring number 14.
Howe believes the 22-year-old's power and link up play could occupy centre-backs and create more space for Isak to do damage in the final third, with greater depth also needed as Callum Wilson's future remains uncertain.
David set to sign elsewhere
The same piece also reveals that long-term target Jonathan David looks set to sign elsewhere this summer, which may explain why Delap will be pursued.
Despite being scouted heavily by the club's recruitment team, the Lille striker and soon-to-be free agent is NOT expected to arrive at St James' Park this summer.
A move to La Liga has been touted and talked up by the player himself, who is likely to demand huge wages given the lack of transfer fee.
Delap has been tracked since his Academy days at Man City and is another young, English talent with huge potential to grow under Howe, who has got the best out of Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.
Newcastle fans could catch a glimpse of Delap this weekend, with Ipswich arriving on Tyneside for Saturday's 3pm kick-off.