Newcastle in pole position to sign Chelsea star in the summer window | OneFootball

As the 2026 summer transfer window approaches, Newcastle United’s quest to find a dependable striker is intensifying. While recent widespread reports suggested the Magpies were preparing an audacious bid for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, the reality of the situation points in a completely different direction.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs for GiveMeSport, Newcastle’s primary attacking target at Stamford Bridge is actually 23-year-old Liam Delap.

With Eddie Howe desperate to add reliable firepower to his squad, a move for the English forward appears far more likely as the Tyneside club looks to make amends for a deeply frustrating recruiting period last year.

Journalist confirms Delap’s Chelsea exit is a possibility

Jacobs said: “There will be outgoings [at Chelsea] and one could be Liam Delap.

“My information is that the player would like to stay and fight for his place, and if you’re Liam Delap, even with Joao Pedro locking down that lead number 9 role, you’re maybe waiting to see who the new manager is, but there is interest in Liam Delap, particularly, I’m told, from Newcastle United, who will add another striker this summer.

“Nicolas Jackson is going to return [to Chelsea], the obligation to buy was always near impossible [for Bayern Munich], but links with Newcastle or new ones at this stage are wide of the mark. If Newcastle are going to raid Chelsea for a striker it would more likely be Delap than Nico Jackson as of now.”

Newcastle’s pursuit of a traditional center-forward stems directly from the chaotic fallout of the 2025 summer window.

The high-profile departure of talisman Alexander Isak to Liverpool left a massive void in the team’s attack.

The club’s subsequent late scramble to replace the Swedish star led to the signings of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, moves that have not worked out.

Consequently, the Magpies have lacked a consistent, elite focal point this season. With a restructured recruitment team now steering the ship, Newcastle is determined to learn from those costly missteps.

Newcastle United can be the ideal club for Delap

Delap, known for his relentless physicality, aerial presence, and high ceiling, fits the profile of a classic number nine who could thrive under Howe’s intense, physical tactical setup.

For Delap, a move to St. James’ Park could offer a vital career reset. Since joining Chelsea for a reported £30 million from Ipswich Town in June 2025, the forward has endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign.

Hindered by early-season hamstring and shoulder injuries, Delap has found consistent starting minutes hard to come by, managing just one Premier League goal in a difficult first season for the Blues.