Newcastle United are already laying the groundwork for a busy summer transfer window, and one name that has surfaced in their striker search is Chelsea's Liam Delap. According to journalist Craig Hope, the Magpies are willing to explore a move for the 23-year-old forward if he becomes available.

Manager Eddie Howe is keen to add another centre-forward to his ranks, someone who can provide reliable cover for star striker Alexander Isak. The need has become more pressing after Nick Woltemade, who arrived with a big reputation last summer, has struggled for confidence and form, losing his place in the starting XI. Yoane Wissa, another high-profile summer signing, has also been hampered by major injury setbacks, leaving Newcastle light on attacking options.

Delap, an England youth international, is understood to be on Newcastle's radar—but only if circumstances change at Stamford Bridge. For now, the signals from Chelsea are clear: the striker is not for sale, and he has no intention of leaving west London. That has made Newcastle cautious, with the club reluctant to waste time chasing a deal that may never happen. They are keeping other targets firmly in play.

Still, a move for Delap would likely leave fans feeling underwhelmed—and with good reason. Despite the hype surrounding his potential, his return of just one league goal this season hardly screams readiness to elevate a Champions League-chasing side. To put it in perspective, even Osula—a player Newcastle themselves don't seem to fully trust—has comfortably outscored him domestically, bagging five league goals to Delap's one.

There are also concerns about Delap's temperament. His fiery on-pitch attitude, marked by repeated confrontations with opponents and a tendency to cross the line, has frustrated fans who see his aggression as more of a liability than an asset.

If Newcastle are serious about closing the gap on the Premier League's elite, they will need to aim higher than Delap this summer. The report also notes that the club wants to keep Osula beyond the summer, while Woltemade is not pushing for an exit—suggesting that any new signing will need to be a clear upgrade.