Newcastle hold showdown Liam Delap talks after striker ‘impressed’ by Everton pitch

Newcastle United are currently engaged in decisive discussions with Liam Delap in a bid to persuade the Ipswich Town striker to make St James’ Park his next destination.

The 22-year-old forward, who shone in the Premier League despite Ipswich’s unfortunate relegation, is being targeted by several top-tier clubs, including Everton, Manchester United, and Chelsea. Eddie Howe is reportedly taking a hands-on approach in the negotiations, personally appealing to Delap in hopes of swaying him toward Newcastle’s project.

The Magpies are prioritizing the addition of a new forward to support and compete with Alexander Isak, especially with mounting speculation that Callum Wilson may be released.

Delap’s breakout campaign—where he netted 12 league goals—has not gone unnoticed, and his consistent performances have made him one of the most coveted young strikers in England.

As a result, multiple Premier League sides are prepared to activate his £30 million release clause, which came into effect following Ipswich’s drop to the Championship.

Newcastle’s pitch centers around the promise of Champions League football next season, a major attraction for Delap as he evaluates where to take his burgeoning career.

The club is also ready to significantly increase his current £20,000-per-week salary, offering both financial incentives and the chance to play on Europe’s biggest stage.

Club executives believe that joining a side with strong ambitions and international exposure could offer Delap the platform to develop into one of the league’s elite forwards.

However, Everton are not backing down. Despite their inability to offer European football, the Toffees have already made a powerful impression on Delap and his representatives.

Sources close to the talks suggest that the player was genuinely impressed with Everton’s presentation. The club’s move to the cutting-edge Hill Dickinson Stadium and their strong finish under David Moyes have added weight to their pitch.

Moyes has identified Delap as his primary target for the summer transfer window, and it’s clear the manager holds a deep admiration for the striker’s potential and playing style.

Everton’s offer includes a prominent role in the squad and a lucrative salary package, with a clear pathway to becoming a focal point in the team’s attack.

The Merseyside club is emphasizing immediate playing time and a central role in their rebuilding plans, a contrast to the more competitive minutes Delap might face at Newcastle, where Isak remains the first-choice striker.

Although Newcastle remain in a strong position due to their Champions League qualification and financial muscle, the competition remains fierce. Manchester United and Chelsea are still very much in the mix. Chelsea, having secured their own return to Europe, are also presenting a compelling case.

While both clubs have the stature and resources to lure Delap, what remains to be seen is whether they can match the personal touch and guarantees Everton and Newcastle are offering.

Delap is expected to make a decision in the coming days as all parties await his verdict. Each club presents a unique opportunity—Newcastle with their elite competition and promise of growth, Everton with a clear path to first-team football, and the historic appeal and competitive squads of United and Chelsea.

As negotiations intensify, the young England under-21 international faces a career-defining choice that could shape his trajectory for years to come.

In the end, it’s not just about money or league standing—it’s about the project, the manager’s vision, and the faith a club places in his future. Wherever Liam Delap decides to go, one thing is certain: the Premier League is watching closely.