Newcastle exploring summer move to sign £30m “monster”

The 2025/26 campaign was one full of promise for Newcastle United, with Eddie Howe backed with over £200m worth of new additions to help the side push on all fronts.

A return to Champions League football was a bonus for the fanbase, subsequently handing them the chance to see their club battle against some of Europe’s elite.

However, despite a solid run in such a competition, the Magpies’ form in the Premier League has taken a nosedive, as seen by their dismal 13th place standing at present.

As a result, pressure has been mounting on Howe’s shoulders in recent months, leading to the prospect of a managerial change ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

It appears as though the Englishman has been given a vote of confidence by the hierarchy in recent days, which could see him backed in the transfer market once again.

Newcastle now exploring move for Premier League star

As seen last summer, Newcastle have turned their attention to landing proven Premier League talents, with the likes of Jacob Ramsey, Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga all joining the Magpies.

This summer could be no different for Howe’s side, as Liverpool star Curtis Jones has already appeared on their radar ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The Englishman is set to depart his boyhood club this summer to gain increased minutes, with Inter Milan another side keen on landing his signature at present.

However, Jones isn’t the only top-flight option currently in the hierarchy’s sights, with Chelsea centre-forward Liam Delap another player on their shortlist.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are considering exploring a move for the Englishman, who has struggled to cement his place as the Blues’ starting striker – after joining for £30m last summer.

The report also states that his name has constantly been discussed behind the scenes at St James’ Park in an attempt to bolster the options in the final third.

However, a deal could well be tricky to complete ahead of the opening of the window, with the Blues currently unwilling to sanction a sale for the 23-year-old.

Why Delap would be an upgrade on Osula for Newcastle

Losing Alexander Isak was a bitter blow for Newcastle last summer, especially considering the struggles of replacements Wissa and Nick Woltemade this term.

As a result, Will Osula has been handed the responsibility of leading the line for Howe’s side in recent weeks, with such a decision proving to be the right one.

The Danish international has started four consecutive games for the Magpies, subsequently managing to find the back of the net in three of those meetings.

His tally of five goals makes him the club’s fourth-highest goalscorer this term, which highlights the issue the club have faced within attacking areas of the pitch.

The upcoming window presents the manager and the board with a fresh opportunity to strengthen the frontline, with Delap appearing to be one of their main targets.

Whilst he’s only netted one top-flight goal this season, his form at Ipswich Town last campaign is evidence that he’s capable of thriving in the Premier League.

The Englishman found the back of the net 12 times in 37 appearances for the Tractor Boys, with such a tally 11 more than Osula could manage during the same time period.

His underlying stats from such a campaign further demonstrate his dominance over the Dane, which only strengthens the argument that he would be an upgrade on the Magpies star.

Delap, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by former teammate Alex Palmer, completed 52% of his dribbles and won 2.1 aerial duels per 90 – both higher than the numbers produced by Osula.

The subsequent figures demonstrate the attacker’s all-round quality within forward areas, which no doubt makes him a bigger threat to the opposition’s backline.

Alongside his incredible goalscoring numbers, the former Ipswich star also achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate – reaffirming his clinical nature in front of goal.

Other tallies, such as 3.7 touches in the opposition box per 90 and 0.7 chances created, further highlighting his quality in possession, with Osula unable to match such figures.

While Delap may not be many fans’ first choice this summer, he’s proven that he has the skillset needed to produce the goods in front of goal in the Premier League.

Concern will undoubtedly be raised given the struggles of Wissa, but the Englishman is far better suited to the demands of the fanbase, given his physical and workmanlike style.

The Danish star has certainly staked his claim for a regular starting role on Tyneside, but he may have to make way in the months ahead should any deal be reached.