Newcastle willing to explore move for Delap if he is for sale | OneFootball

Newcastle United are considering a summer move for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, according to journalist Craig Hope.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe is eager to sign a centre-forward capable of effectively replacing Alexander Isak.

Nick Woltemade started well following his big-money move to the Tyneside outfit last summer, but he has since lost confidence, form and his starting berth.

Yoane Wissa’s major injury setbacks have meant he has struggled to really get going following his big-money summer transfer.

William Osula has impressed in patches, but Howe wants another option.

Delap is one of the players Newcastle would consider if circumstances change at his current club. However, Delap is not for sale and has no desire to leave Chelsea.

Newcastle are reluctant to waste time pursuing a deal that may never materialise and are keeping other options firmly on the table.

Newcastle need to think bigger

A move for Delap would feel underwhelming to fans, and rightly so.

For all of the hype surrounding the 23-year-old, his return of just one league goal hardly suggests he is ready to elevate a Champions League-chasing side.

Even Osula, a player Newcastle themselves seemingly do not fully trust, has comfortably outscored him domestically.

Ousla has bagged five league goals while Delap has registered only one.

There is also concern over Delap’s fiery on-pitch temperament.

His repeated brushes with opponents and tendency to drift into needless confrontations have frustrated fans, who have at times viewed his aggression as crossing the line.

If Newcastle are serious about closing the gap on the Premier League elite, they should be aiming far higher than Delap this summer.