Liam Delap: Newcastle could lead race to sign striker after Eddie Howe’s positive comments

Liam Delap is attracting attention from Newcastle United despite the striker’s early struggles at Chelsea this season.

The 23-year-old only has one Premier League goal in 21 appearances since signing from Ipswich Town during the summer, having sparked a lot of talk about him at Portman Road last term.

He has been unable to bring that form over to Stamford Bridge, with Joao Pedro outshining most forwards at the club, leading to Delap already being linked with a summer exit.

Newcastle’s transfer plans could change ahead of the summer transfer window, but what is clear is that Delap is strongly linked with a switch to St James’ Park, and those links are not going away.

Liam Delap continues to struggle at Stamford Bridge

There had been no doubts over Delap’s abilities in front of goal, even being tipped for an England call-up, but very few in West London have been convinced by the striker’s performances so far.

Howe appears to like what he’s seen, though, speakingly openly about the young striker.

Speaking back during Delap’s Ipswich days, Howe said: “He’s a pivotal player for [Ipswich], there’s no denying that. I think he’s had a very good season. He’s got big strengths, a very strong, powerful runner.

“Certainly knows where the goal is. He’s had a really good season. He’s always had a lot of potential. We’ve seen what a threat he can be.”

Chelsea star can add another dimension to Newcastle United’s attack

It would make a lot of sense for the Magpies to go back into the transfer market, with Yoane Wissa yet to make a real impact and Nick Woltemade being used in a midfield experiment.

Supporters are being reminded far too much of Joelinton’s early games at St James’ Park, with the Brazilian now transformed into a centre-midfielder, rather than an out-and-out centre-forward.

Delap has gone from being a big fish in a small pond to the complete opposite in a very short amount of time, and that appears to have stunted the striker’s development in West London.

Moving to the North East could provide the young forward with a chance to get his career back on track, especially with a manager who is likely to give him a lot more confidence.

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