Newcastle United given Liam Delap transfer update after ‘internal talks held’

The race for Ipswich Town’s promising striker Liam Delap has intensified, with Manchester United reportedly preparing to accelerate their efforts to secure the 22-year-old’s signature ahead of several top-flight rivals.

Newcastle United find themselves embroiled in a five-way battle for the England Under-21 international, whose £40 million release clause has sparked considerable interest among Premier League heavyweights.

Delap’s impressive debut Premier League campaign with newly-promoted Ipswich has not gone unnoticed, despite the Tractor Boys’ struggles at the foot of the table. The young forward has notched ten goals and provided two assists in 28 appearances – a respectable return for a player adapting to top-flight football in a team fighting relegation.

These performances have alerted Chelsea, Liverpool, and his former club Manchester City, who retain a buy-back option as part of last summer’s transfer agreement.

Newcastle’s interest follows their established pattern of recruiting talent from recently relegated clubs, a strategy that previously brought Nick Pope from Burnley and Tino Livramento from Southampton to St James’ Park. The Magpies face pressing needs in their striker department, with Callum Wilson’s injury-plagued season and expiring contract creating urgency for reinforcements.

Wilson has managed just 258 minutes across 12 appearances this term, while young Dane Will Osula has seen limited opportunities behind the exceptional Alexander Isak.

The financial landscape of this potential transfer presents intriguing dynamics. Manchester United’s apparent preference for Delap over other targets like Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike – valued at £70 million – highlights the economic realities of modern football.

Newcastle must similarly balance ambition with Financial Fair Play compliance, making Delap’s £40 million clause potentially more palatable than premium alternatives.

Liverpool may hold a strategic advantage in negotiations through technical director Jason Wilcox’s prior relationship with Delap during their shared time at Manchester City’s academy.

This personal connection could prove decisive in what promises to be a fiercely contested transfer battle. However, Pep Guardiola’s side retain the wild card of their buy-back option, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton has issued a defiant message to potential suitors, emphasizing the club’s strong ownership position: “We’re not an easy club to buy from.”

This stance suggests the Suffolk outfit will drive a hard bargain, potentially demanding the full release clause amount rather than entertaining negotiated fees.

Delap represents precisely the profile of striker several top clubs crave – young, Premier League-proven, and with room for development. His physicality and finishing ability have translated well to the top division, while his experience in various English youth setups eliminates adaptation concerns that often accompany overseas signings.

For Newcastle, the decision to pursue Delap would signal a continued commitment to building a sustainable project rather than chasing established stars.

His potential partnership with Isak could offer Eddie Howe the strike force versatility he craves, with both players capable of leading the line or operating in tandem.

Manchester United’s heightened interest suggests they view Delap as a more financially prudent alternative to their usual marquee targets. The Red Devils’ recruitment team appears determined to avoid repeating past mistakes of overspending on fading stars, instead investing in emerging talent with resale value.

The coming months will reveal whether Delap’s future lies at one of England’s traditional powerhouses or if Ipswich can somehow retain their prized asset should they achieve an unlikely survival.

What’s certain is that the young striker’s development has reached an inflection point – the summer window will determine whether he becomes another promising talent or develops into a genuine Premier League force at one of the division’s elite clubs.

Newcastle’s ability to compete in this transfer battle will test their growing pull in the market against more established rivals. While they cannot offer the recent trophy success of Liverpool or Manchester City, the Magpies can provide clearer pathways to first-team football and the chance to be part of an ambitious project on the rise.

As the season enters its decisive phase, Delap’s performances will come under even greater scrutiny from the legion of scouts now tracking his progress. Each goal he scores could add millions to his valuation or strengthen his current club’s resolve to retain him.

One thing appears certain – Liam Delap’s days as an Ipswich player are likely numbered, with the Premier League’s elite already circling for what promises to be one of the summer’s most hotly contested transfers.