NEWCASTLE RE-IGNITE PURSUIT OF CHELSEA STRIKER LIAM DELAP FOR SUMMER WINDOW
Newcastle are targeting Chelsea striker Liam Delap as Eddie Howe looks to rebuild his attack after the Isak sale.
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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.
EDDIE HOWE CONFIRMS NEWCASTLE LINEUP SHIFTS ARE PART OF A MAJOR FUTURE STRATEGY
Eddie Howe confirms he is picking Newcastle lineups with next season in mind, trialling players like Ramsey and Woltemade early.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe isn’t pretending he’s already thinking about next season. People have been saying Kieran Trippier is close to triggering a payment if he plays more games, so that might influence whether he features again before the season ends. But Howe brushed that off and said he’s making his decisions purely for football reasons.
Talking to reporters at the City Ground about why Anthony Gordon was missing, Howe admitted he’s picking his lineup with the future in mind. Later, in his press conference, he went into more detail about focusing on what comes next at St James’ Park.
"We’re definitely looking ahead," Howe said. "You can see it in some of the choices I’m making with the team. I want to get a look at some players and see how they might grow into the squad."
One of those players is Jacob Ramsey, who came off the bench, set up Harvey Barnes with a great pass, and really changed the game. "I thought Jacob Ramsey was brilliant when he came on against Forest. He really made a difference, and so did Harvey. It’s good to see players taking their chances," Howe said.
He added, "We have to be thinking about the future now and what the team’s going to look like next year. That’s our responsibility at this point."
Before the match, Howe surprised a lot of fans by starting Lewis Hall at right-back, Nick Woltemade in midfield, and pushing Joelinton further forward than usual. Again, Howe explained he wants to see what players can do in different positions.
"It wasn’t some huge change from Brighton; we kept the same shape," Howe said. "But for Nick, this was only one of a few times he’s started in that role for us. He played alongside Will, and they haven’t had much time together either.
"There were positives for Nick, but he wasn’t involved as much as we wanted in the first half. We still need to see his best on the ball. In the second half, though, I thought we got better as a team. We attacked more and looked like a real threat as the match wore on."
MAGPIES EYE £1M BARGAIN TIAGO GABRIEL TO SOLVE GROWING DEFENSIVE INJURY CRISIS
Newcastle are leading the race against Juventus for Tiago Gabriel, the 21-year-old Serie A defensive sensation.
Newcastle United appear to be keeping an eye on Lecce’s young defender Tiago Gabriel as they consider potential options for the summer transfer window.
With Fabian Schar’s contract due to expire at the end of June, the Magpies are preparing for the possibility of his departure. Although an extension is still on the table, Schar has been sidelined since early January because of an ankle injury and doesn't seem close to making a comeback.
At 21, Gabriel has featured 36 times across all competitions this season for Lecce, who are currently four points clear of the Serie A relegation zone. Newcastle’s recruitment team is among those following his development, seemingly interested in exploring a move once the transfer window opens.
Back in December, reports surfaced that both West Ham and Juventus were also tracking Gabriel’s progress. The young defender, who came through Sporting CP’s academy, has had a strong season and will enter the final year of his contract this summer.
Gabriel transferred to Lecce last January for slightly over £1 million, moving from Portuguese club Estrela Amadora. Should he leave this summer, a significantly higher fee might be expected, reflecting his rise in form.
Before joining Estrela Amadora, Gabriel had been part of Setúbal's academy after leaving Sporting in 2020. His performances have earned him regular appearances for Portugal’s Under-21 side, and senior international opportunities may not be far off.
A switch to the Premier League could potentially boost his profile substantially, but he will likely weigh his options with some care.
According to O Jogo, Newcastle continue to monitor his situation keenly as interest around the defender grows.
Regarding Fabian Schar’s future, things remain uncertain even with just weeks left on his current deal. While Kieran Trippier has been publicly confirmed to be leaving upon contract expiration, no similar announcement has come for Schar.
Last week, Howe commented on the defender’s status, noting that no definitive decision has been made yet. He emphasised Schar’s value to the team, pointing out his unique role as a ball-playing defender and his versatility in various defensive setups.
Schar’s influence on the pitch and experience are clearly appreciated, and the club hopes he can regain full fitness before the season concludes. As for any new contract talks, Howe suggested it’s a matter of waiting to see how things unfold.
