It seems Newcastle has its sights set on Liam Delap as a potential signing this summer, according to talkSPORT. Delap actually met Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, before making his move from Ipswich to Chelsea last summer, and he came away with a positive impression of Howe.

Chelsea might be open to letting Delap go. This season, he’s only scored once in the Premier League, and injuries have disrupted his rhythm since he arrived at Stamford Bridge. Under Chelsea’s current boss, Liam Rosenior, Joao Pedro has been preferred up front since January, leaving Delap on the fringes.

On Newcastle’s side, there's a clear push to strengthen their attack despite already spending around £120 million last summer on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. Howe has made reinforcing the forward line a top priority for the upcoming window. The sale of Alexander Isak last summer left Howe short of attacking options, especially as the transfer window wound down. Isak had been important, scoring ten goals since he arrived, but just once since the start of 2026. Wissa has contributed a few goals this season as well, netting three in 21 appearances.

But neither Woltemade nor Wissa has made a significant impact yet; they’ve both been left on the bench during crucial matches, including both legs of Newcastle’s Champions League tie against Barcelona. In fact, neither got time on the pitch during the heavy 7-2 loss at the Nou Camp, and Woltemade, in particular, is reportedly frustrated about his limited role, especially in key games.

Howe has turned to using Anthony Gordon as a false nine and recently favoured Will Osula, who made a dramatic impact with a late goal against Manchester United. Despite arriving at Newcastle only in August, Woltemade’s future has already come under scrutiny, with Bayern Munich reportedly monitoring him, continuing their interest from last summer.

No matter who might leave this summer, Howe is actively searching for a striker to lead the attack next season. Delap fits the profile. He made an impression during his breakout season with Ipswich, scoring 12 goals in 37 league games. Newcastle was among several clubs interested in the Manchester City academy product before he signed for Chelsea, and their interest hasn’t faded since.

The debate around Anthony Gordon’s benching in Newcastle’s Champions League clash with Barcelona isn’t going away anytime soon. Alan Shearer, known for his strong opinions, has stuck to his guns even after Gordon publicly pushed back on the criticism.

Last week, Gordon was left out of the starting lineup for the first leg against Barcelona. Manager Eddie Howe later explained that Gordon was dealing with an illness leading up to the game and only came on in the 67th minute during the 1-1 draw at St James’ Park. Interestingly, Gordon has had a standout season, breaking Shearer’s Champions League goal record with 10 goals in 11 games, which makes the benching all the more contentious.

Shearer didn’t hold back after Gordon’s absence was confirmed, saying he believed the winger should have started. His rationale was straightforward: if a player is fit enough to train on the day of the game, they should be on the pitch, especially in such a crucial match against Barcelona with a spot in the quarter-finals at stake. He emphasised that it would take something truly exceptional to keep him out of that kind of game.

Gordon, however, fired back after scoring the winner at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, hitting out at what he called the “nonsense” remarks. He revealed that even though he was bedridden and missed training for three days due to illness, he expected to start the match against Barcelona. The decision to rest him came from Howe, who informed him upon arrival at the stadium that he wouldn’t be in the starting XI, a decision Gordon admitted was difficult but ultimately up to the manager.

Shearer responded again during a recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, welcoming Gordon’s right to reply but standing firm on his original comments. He reiterated that, in his view, illness wouldn’t have sidelined him for such a vital game, even acknowledging the manager’s role in the decision but not changing his stance.

Adding further context, Howe clarified his part in the decision, emphasising that Gordon was very much willing to play against Barcelona. The final call was made jointly with the medical staff, who concluded that he wasn’t fit enough to start, despite the player’s readiness to go.

It’s a classic clash between player determination and managerial caution, and this back-and-forth highlights just how fine the lines can be in top-level football decisions. Regardless of where you stand, it’s clear both sides are passionate about what’s best for Newcastle’s success.