Liam Delap is set for a transfer audition with Newcastle United when Ipswich Town visit St James’ Park in the Premier League at the end of the month.
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a departure from Ipswich as they look to get relegated from the top-flight. Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest in his services and there could potentially be a bidding war in the summer.
Eddie Howe’s side are looking for a back-up to star man Alexander Isak amid doubts over Callum Wilson’s future. Newcastle will play Ipswich on April 26 and Delap’s performance could have a major impact on their transfer hopes.
Delap has started 29 league games for Kieran McKenna and has been a standout performer in the team. He has scored 12 goals in 30 top-flight appearances this term, while providing two assists in the process as well.
Newcastle have been admirers of the forward for some time and have been keeping an eye on him since he was signed by Ipswich from Manchester City last summer. Ipswich paid £20million for his services after strong loan spells in the Championship with the likes of Hull City and Preston.
However, he could be available for less than double the price the Tractor Boys paid for him. ChronicleLive understands that when Delap signed his five-year contract with the club last summer, a clause was included, allowing him to leave for £10million less if the club were relegated from the Premier League.
As things stand, Ipswich are on track for relegation to the Championship, meaning Delap’s release clause will drop to £30m. McKenna’s side are a huge 12 points adrift of safety.
If Newcastle manage to strike a deal, it could prove a real bargain.
Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times, their chairman Mark Ashton provided an update on the forward’s contract. “What I would say is that what’s been reported is never quite fact,” he explained.
“What I can say is that in January there was interest in a number of our players from a number of Premier League clubs. But the ownership were great. It was ‘you don’t have to sell’.
“So look, we’re not an easy club to buy from, because we have such strong ownership. We are very, very, very well protected with all of that.”
