Newcastle remain interested in Liam Delap after summer setback | OneFootball

Newcastle United are in the market for a striker again and are monitoring Liam Delap, according to journalist Craig Hope.

The Magpies missed out on several striker targets before eventually forking out a massive sum to sign Nick Woltemade.

However, the German striker has struggled. He has scored only 10 goals in 43 appearances since joining.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has lost confidence in him as a starting striker and has been utilising him in midfield.

Delap has struggled to get a look-in at Chelsea following his £30 million transfer. Two long injury lay-offs have not helped. Neither has Joao Pedro’s brilliant form.

He is a terrific striking prospect blessed with speed, physicality and incredible shot power.

Described as a special talent, he could enjoy a revival away from Chelsea.

Dominic Solanke and Pio Esposito are other striker targets for Newcastle.

Newcastle must aim higher

Delap, Solanke and Esposito do not exactly scream ambition for a club supposedly trying to cement its place among the elite.

None of them has shown the level of consistency or output required to elevate Newcastle to the next tier.

The numbers make for grim reading. Between them, the trio have not even combined for 10 league goals this season.

That is a worrying return for players being considered to lead the line at a club with Champions League aspirations.

Newcastle must aim higher. Right now, this shortlist feels painfully underwhelming and unlikely to move the needle.

Strasbourg ace Joaquin Panichelli has bagged 14 goals in 25 Ligue 1 appearances this term. He would be a great option.

The 23-year-old Argentine is a battering ram ready to take the Premier League by storm and represents a better investment than the trio above.