Newcastle to meet ‘unbelievable’ target this week after he was granted permission to travel for talks – Reports

Newcastle United are poised to intensify their pursuit of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with discussions scheduled to take place this week.

The promising English forward has reportedly been granted permission to meet with various Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, as interest in his signature continues to grow.

Delap, one of the most sought-after young talents in English football, is now at the center of a transfer battle involving top-flight sides eager to secure his services ahead of the new season.

At just 21 years old, Delap has already captured the attention of several elite clubs thanks to a breakout Premier League campaign with Ipswich Town.

Despite the club’s relegation, the young striker’s performances stood out as a silver lining in a difficult season. Across 36 appearances, he found the back of the net 12 times and contributed two assists, demonstrating composure in front of goal and a strong sense of positioning.

His impressive season has not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Newcastle all expressing serious interest. Delap’s current contract includes a £30 million release clause, and with Ipswich set to compete in the Championship next season, his departure now seems inevitable.

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Talks are expected to take place over the coming days, with Delap set to sit down with representatives from all three clubs before making a final decision. He is believed to have already met with Manchester United officials and will also speak directly with Chelsea and Newcastle United decision-makers.

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – MARCH 24: Liam Delap of England after the Men’s U21 international match between England and Portugal at The Hawthorns on March 24, 2025 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)

While reports suggest Delap may currently lean toward a move to Old Trafford, Manchester United’s ability to secure his signature could depend on the outcome of their Europa League final clash against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.

A victory would strengthen their appeal by guaranteeing Champions League football, a factor likely to influence Delap’s decision.

Newcastle, meanwhile, remain firmly in the race. Manager Eddie Howe is eager to bolster his attacking options this summer, particularly with Callum Wilson’s contract set to expire at the end of the month.

The Magpies have leaned heavily on Alexander Isak this season, with the Swedish international accounting for over a third of the team’s Premier League goals. While Isak has performed admirably, the lack of depth up front has occasionally limited Newcastle’s attacking threat.

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Signing Delap would provide much-needed reinforcement and allow Howe to rotate his squad more effectively across domestic and European competitions.

Delap’s appeal lies not just in his current output but in his potential. As an England U21 international, he has already proven he can perform on a big stage. His physical attributes, work ethic, and intelligent movement make him an ideal candidate to develop further in a high-intensity Premier League setup.

His expected goals tally of 9.3 this past season highlights his knack for getting into dangerous positions, and with over 2,500 minutes of top-flight football under his belt, he brings both promise and experience.

Newcastle view him as a long-term investment who can grow into a central figure within Howe’s dynamic system.

Though the Magpies face stiff competition, they remain hopeful of convincing Delap that his future lies at St James’ Park. The club’s ambitions to build a younger, faster, and more aggressive squad align with Delap’s own trajectory.

The opportunity to play regularly alongside a forward like Isak, in a system designed to create chances through wide play and quick transitions, could prove a compelling proposition.

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Newcastle’s ongoing commitment to securing high-caliber young talent is reflected in their transfer strategy, and Delap fits neatly into that vision.

As negotiations progress, the decision ultimately rests with the player. Delap is expected to weigh up not just financial terms, but also the sporting project each club presents.

Whether it’s the allure of playing for Manchester United, the prestige of Chelsea, or the ambitious rise of Newcastle United, each option offers distinct opportunities.

What remains clear is that Liam Delap’s next move will be one of the key storylines of the summer transfer window, with Newcastle pushing hard to ensure they land one of England’s brightest emerging talents.

With talks imminent and interest from several sides intensifying, the coming days will be critical in shaping Delap’s future.

For Newcastle, securing his signature would mark a significant step toward building a more complete and competitive squad capable of challenging at the highest level in the upcoming campaign.