Newcastle united switch attention after transfer setback as reality hits

THE MAGPIES ARE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR BACK-UP OPTIONS TO ALEXANDER ISAK IN THE TRANSFER WINDOW 06:50, 30 May 2025 Newcastle United's bid to bring a new striker option to the club this

summer will continue despite losing out in the race to sign Ipswich Town's Liam Delp. The 22-year-old has reportedly decided to join Chelsea in a £30m deal, with official confirmation

expected in the coming days. The Magpies were among several clubs to have held talks with the player's agents, along with Manchester United and Everton. However, a move to London with

Enzo Maresca's Conference League winners appears to be top of Delap's wishlist, and he will swap Portman Road for Stamford Bridge. It is a setback for United, who had hoped to

strike early in the transfer window, which opens for a 10-day period on June 1 before reopening on Monday, June 16. Eddie Howe and Co face the difficult task of finding a suitable back-up

option for Alexander Isak, with the Swede's goals crucial for the Magpies. The Swede hit 27 goals in 42 appearances last season as Newcastle won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the

Champions League taking his tally to a total of 62 goals in just 109 games for the club since signing from Real Sociedad in 2022. However, with the demands of European football next term,

plus domestic expectations in the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, the 25-year-old cannot be expected to lead the line throughout what will be a hectic schedule, including

international commitments with Sweden. Callum Wilson looks set to depart the club when his contract expires next month, while Anthony Gordon and Will Osula can play through the middle if

needed. United had identified Delap as a potential back-up option in what is a difficult balance to strike. Established strikers are unlikely to want to play a secondary role to Isak, while

Newcastle will not want to gamble too much on unproven talent. Jonathan David has been on their radar for some time, with the Canadian striker leaving Lille on a free transfer this summer.

United have watched him several times, but he has been inundated with offers and is close to agreeing a deal to join Serie A champions Napoli. That could in turn hasten Victor Osimhen's

departure from Naples, with the Nigerian striker surplus to requirements following a season on loan in Turkey with Galatasaray, Manchester United have been linked with a move for the

26-year-old, who could be set for a Premier League switch, but his £86m fee is unlikely to tick any boxes at St James' Park. Similarly, RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko could prove too

pricey, with the one-time United target thought to be available for around £90m. Arsenal had a strong interest in the Slovenian star in the January window but have now turned their

attentions on Isak's international team-mate Viktor Gyokeres. Newcastle had talks with Sesko's agent in 2023 before he left RB Salzbug for Germany, but his progress in the

Bundesliga could price the Magpies out of any interest this time around. Another former target, Hugo Ekitike, has been linked with a move to Liverpool after impressing at Eintracht

Frankfurt. Ekitike turned United down in 2022, preferring to move to PSG despite strong efforts to bring him to Tyneside, but has no rekindled his career in Germany after the switch to Paris

did not work out. Still only 22, Ekitike would fit the bill, but an £85m asking price and Liverpool's interest could rule him out. One player United were linked with in January was

Turkish youngster Semih Kilicsoy. The Besiktas forward is keen to move to the Premier League, with Everton and Leeds United said to be preparing a bid for the frontman, who can also play in

the wide roles. His £10m price tag would appeal to Newcastle, should they decide to follow up earlier interest. Everton are keen on striker targets with Dominic Calvert-Lewin set to leave

the Toffees this summer. Newcastle enquired about the England forward last summer but pulled out of any deal after learning their asking price. Article continues below However, he is now

available on a free transfer, although United will be concerned over an injury record which has seen him start just 19 Premier League games last term.