Newcastle poised to present significant obstacle to United in race for “number one target” this summer – report

Newcastle United are poised to go toe-to-toe with Manchester United for the signing of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

The Red Devils have suffered from a lack of goals all season and are reportedly on the lookout for a number nine this summer.

Over the course of the season, they have been linked with a plethora of strikers such as Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Nonetheless, super reliable journalist David Ornstein has already reported that United’s main striker target is Liam Delap.

Unfortunately for United, there is significant competition for the 22 year old’s signature from Premier League clubs and Serie A. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Besiktas are also credited with an interest in him.

The Telegraph now report that another Premier League club is preparing to make a move for Delap this summer window.

The outlet reports that “Newcastle United are keen on a summer move” for Delap. The Magpies have been scouting him for quite some time as he has impressed in his first season as a starter in the Premier League.

Like United, they are aware of his £30 million relegation release clause that will soon be activated and believe he represents strong value in the current market.

The Telegraph mentions that Delap would “consider” a move to the North-East and their hand would only be strengthened were they to secure Champions League football next season.

They plan to use the Ipswich striker as a back-up to Alexander Isak and also to potentially play alongside him. That might play in United’s favour, as he is likely to be the starting striker at Old Trafford.

On the other hand, the Geordies are currently on track to qualify for the Champions League, which may be a tough obstacle to overcome for United.

For that reason, Ruben Amorim’s side will hope that they themselves can qualify for Europe’s premier competition next season by winning the Europa League.

Failing that, they will likely hope to fall back on Delap’s personal relationship with the club’s technical director, Jason Wilcox, from their days together in the Manchester City youth system.

Featured image Richard Pelham via Getty Images

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