Newcastle United’s search for attacking reinforcements is already underway, and the club has been keeping a close eye on some of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.
With Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson both having endured spells on the sidelines this past season, it’s no surprise the recruitment team has been casting the net wider.
Eddie Howe is determined to add more depth to the forward line, ideally someone who can develop under the current system but also provide competition right away.
Among the options Newcastle were actively pursuing this summer was a 22-year-old striker with Premier League pedigree, a strong loan spell behind him, and the physical tools to thrive in the top flight.
The idea was clear: bring in a young, hungry attacker to complement the existing setup, especially with Wilson's long-term future still uncertain.
The Magpies weren’t the only ones in the race, though. Manchester United, Everton, and Nottingham Forest were also in the mix, each club recognising the potential of the player in question.
All were prepared to meet the financial demands, including a structured release clause, and personal terms didn’t appear to be a major stumbling block.
But over the past 24 hours, clarity has emerged—and it’s not the update many on Tyneside were hoping for.
Newcastle United transfer target chooses Chelsea
According to David Ornstein, Liam Delap has informed suitors that he intends to join Chelsea.
The deal is now progressing, subject to personal terms being agreed and final details around the release clause being ironed out.
For Newcastle, it’s a disappointing turn in a pursuit they had hoped might add youth and energy to their forward ranks.
Delap had been seen as a player who could be moulded into a long-term option under Howe’s guidance.
But with the striker set to move to Stamford Bridge, Newcastle must now turn their attention to other targets as the window begins to take shape.