Newcastle United have identified Ipswich Town star Liam Delap as the “perfect” replacement should Alexander Isak leave the club this summer.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 25-year-old’s future will determine whether the Magpies make a move.
This comes amid ongoing speculation about a move to Liverpool as the Reds are aiming to sign a big-name striker ahead of the summer window.
Brown told Football Insider earlier this month that Newcastle’s talks over a new contract for Isak have stalled amid constant whispers about a move away.
As a result, they have begun searching for potential replacements and Delap is “the one they want” after his “outstanding” season for Ipswich.
However, Man United and Chelsea are also eyeing Delap and he is expected to have no shortage of offers given the release clause in his contract at Portman Road.
Eddie Howe eyes Liam Delap swoop after Alexander Isak latest
Brown told Football Insider on 11 March that Eddie Howe is a big fan of Delap and Newcastle’s scouts have been keeping a close eye on his progress with Ipswich.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Newcastle remain determined to keep hold of Isak this summer.
Eddie Howe eyes Liam Delap swoop after Alexander Isak latest
Brown told Football Insider on 11 March that Eddie Howe is a big fan of Delap and Newcastle’s scouts have been keeping a close eye on his progress with Ipswich.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Newcastle remain determined to keep hold of Isak this summer.
If they’re resigned to the fact that they will lose Isak this summer, I hear they see Delap as the perfect replacement, he’s the one they’ll want.
“But I also know they’re going to do everything they can to keep Isak at the club.
“You never knows what’s going on behind the scenes, there’s been a lot of talk about
Delap has had an outstanding season for Ipswich, especially given the way they have struggled, so it’s no surprise clubs are interested.
We’ve spoken before about Man United and Chelsea, but Newcastle have been watching him too.
“If Isak leaves, they’ll be able to offer him regular first-team football and he’ll be a real key player there.
“Because he’s not going to want to join a club where they only see him as a backup or rotational option, that’s what he would be if Isak stayed.
“A lot of Newcastle’s business this summer, I think, will depend on which players they lose.”
Liverpool eye Jarrod Bowen swoop after Newcastle twist
Isak is Liverpool’s top targets ahead of the summer window, with Arne Slot believed to be a huge admirer of the striker and what he could bring to his side.
