Report: Newcastle United rumour causes complete and utter shock inside St James’ Park

The transfer window may not have officially opened yet, but Newcastle United already find themselves battling swirling speculation and unexpected transfer rumors.

Despite their clear ambition to strengthen the squad with at least three new signings this summer, the club has yet to make any decisive moves, and inside St James’ Park, some of the latest headlines have left people completely stunned.

One particular rumor, suggesting a high-profile move for Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, has sparked confusion and disbelief among those close to the club.

Reports emerging earlier in May, particularly from Africa Foot, claimed that Newcastle were in talks to bring Boniface to Tyneside in a potential £42 million deal.

The idea quickly spread across social media and fan forums, fueling excitement among supporters who are eager to see bold reinforcements. However, the narrative unravelled just as fast when those inside Newcastle’s inner circle categorically denied any such negotiations.

According to journalist Luke Edwards of the Telegraph, Newcastle not only aren’t engaged in talks for Boniface, but are also completely baffled by the suggestion that they’re pursuing the Nigerian international.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Edwards explained that the German club may be eager to offload the striker and are using Newcastle’s name to generate external interest.

The club sees no current value in such a deal and appears to be actively distancing itself from the speculation.

At the same time, other rumors have begun to surface around a different striker—Liam Delap—whose situation appears more grounded in reality. Delap, currently shining at Ipswich Town, has caught the attention of several top Premier League clubs.

Newcastle, Chelsea, and Manchester United are all keeping close tabs on the 22-year-old, whose performances have not gone unnoticed.

With a reported price tag of £30 million, Delap is considered a cost-effective option with significant upside. His physicality, pace, and ability to link up play make him an intriguing fit for Eddie Howe’s system, particularly if paired with the already established Alexander Isak.

Newcastle reportedly plan to hold discussions with Delap and his representatives this week, aiming to present a compelling case for why St James’ Park should be his next destination.

Internally, there’s a belief that Delap and Isak could function effectively together in the same starting XI, offering tactical flexibility and greater depth in attack.

However, optimism around this pursuit is tempered by the reality that Delap seems to favor a move to Old Trafford.

Geordie Boot Boys have reported that despite genuine interest from Newcastle and Chelsea, Delap’s preference is Manchester United—a factor that could significantly shape how this transfer chase unfolds.

Even as the club works behind the scenes to secure meaningful reinforcements, it’s clear that Newcastle’s name is increasingly being used as a tool in the broader market.

Another example involves Spanish reports about goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol, where it was claimed that the Magpies were ready to activate his release clause.

That, too, has been disputed. Sources within the club have pushed back on those claims, indicating that there is no current plan to bring the young Spanish keeper to Tyneside.

These repeated denials have created a sense that Newcastle are being drawn into rumor mills, perhaps because of their growing financial clout and ambition under their current ownership.

The club’s recruitment team remains focused and measured despite the noise. They know exactly where they want to strengthen and are assessing their options with care rather than rushing into headline-driven decisions.

The lack of early signings does not reflect a lack of activity, but rather a deliberate approach in evaluating targets and negotiating favorable terms.

There is a conscious effort to avoid being used as leverage by agents or clubs seeking to inflate prices or manufacture bidding wars.

For Newcastle United, this summer is crucial. They aim to build on the progress made under Eddie Howe while navigating the complexities of the transfer market.

They need to reinforce key areas, remain financially prudent, and protect their reputation as a club making strategic, not impulsive, decisions.

While wild speculation continues to circulate, those within the club remain calm and focused, preferring to let actions—rather than rumors—speak for them in the weeks ahead.