Newcastle United are struggling to maintain the high standards that Eddie Howe has set during his tenure on Tyneside.
The Magpies have had a torrid week following the 7-2 defeat to Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League round of sixteen tie and a 2-1 league defeat to their bitter rivals Sunderland at St James’ Park yesterday.
They are currently twelfth in the Premier League table, with the prospect of qualifying for European football next season slipping away from them.
No matter where Newcastle finish this season in the top flight, there will be huge improvements needed and areas of the squad that will need to be further invested in to get back on track in the ambitious project.
The North East giants were in the spotlight last summer when their star player Alexander Isak went on strike to push for a move to Liverpool, which materialised on Deadline Day after a long-fought battle.
Newcastle signed Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa to replace the goal contributions that the Swedish striker left behind, but the pair have struggled to make their mark.
Despite a promising start, Woltemade has become the victim of Howe’s system and efforts to get Newcastle out of the woods, while Wissa has shown little to no signs that he can offer the threat in front of goal that he possessed whilst at Brentford.
As a result, it will come as no surprise to Newcastle fans that the club are being linked to further striker signings ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to talkSPORT, Newcastle are one of the clubs interested in signing Chelsea striker Liam Delap.
The publication claims that Chelsea are open to offers for their forward, who is currently valued at £40m.
Delap had previously met with Howe before joining Chelsea last summer, and it is claimed that the manager is keen to continue to find a solution for the striker role.
Should Newcastle sign Liam Delap?
After two failed striker signings, the Newcastle boss needs to be confident that he can help Delap reach his potential after his disappointing time at Chelsea.
The 23-year-old – hailed as a “throwback” by Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior – has only managed to find the back of the net once since joining the Blues from relegated side Ipswich Town last season, but injuries have played their part too.
Delap would come to Tyneside with little confidence and limited game time under his belt over the last 12 months, which is a risky but not impossible project for Howe if he feels that Delap is the right player for the role.
Having said that, Newcastle are in a position where they may not qualify for Europe at the end of this season, which will put even more pressure on the manager to deliver improved signings that can help them regain their status.
All things considered, Newcastle’s next move in the striker market will be crucial to restoring their attacking identity after an underwhelming campaign in front of goal.
Delap may represent an ambitious project with long-term upside, but given the club’s current position, they may be better served targeting a more proven and reliable option to deliver immediate impact next season.
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