Newcastle United are searching for reinforcements ahead of the summer window, with Chelsea striker Liam Delap among the forwards discussed at St James’ Park.
According to Craig Hope, Delap is a striker Newcastle would be willing to explore a move for.
Magpies manager Eddie Howe is eager to add another centre-forward capable of effectively replacing Alexander Isak.
Nick Woltemade started well following his big-money move to the Tyneside outfit over the summer, but has since lost confidence, form and his starting berth.
Yoane Wissa’s major injury setbacks have meant he has struggled to really get going following his big-money summer transfer.
Meanwhile, William Osula has shown in patches.
Delap is understood to be one of the names Newcastle would be willing to explore if circumstances change at his current club.
However, the current indication from Stamford Bridge is that the England youth international is not for sale and has no desire to leave west London.
Newcastle are reluctant to waste time pursuing a deal that may never materialise and are keeping other options firmly on the table.
A move for Delap would feel underwhelming to fans, and rightly so.
For all of the hype surrounding the 23-year-old, his return of just one league goal hardly suggests he is ready to elevate a Champions League-chasing side.
Even Osula, a player Newcastle themselves seemingly do not fully trust, has comfortably outscored him domestically.
Ousla has bagged five league goals while Delap has registered only one.
There is also concern over Delap’s fiery on-pitch temperament.
His repeated brushes with opponents and tendency to drift into needless confrontation have frustrated fans, who have at times viewed his aggression as crossing the line.
If Newcastle are serious about closing the gap on the Premier League elite, they should be aiming far higher than Delap this summer.
The report also mentions that Newcastle want to keep Osula beyond this summer and that Woltemade is not pushing to leave.