Newcastle United are reportedly targeting a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap in the summer transfer window.
Despite Ipswich's plight, Delap's enjoyed a stellar maiden Premier League campaign with 12 goals for the Tractor Boys and the 22-year-old has courted the attention of many top-flight clubs.
Manchester United and Chelsea have been mooted with a move for Delap, although a report from the Telegraph indicates Newcastle are primed to make an offer for the England Under-21 striker.
They're unlikely to be the only teams willing to test the waters over the coming months as Nottingham Forest, Everton and West Ham have all been credited with an interest in Delap.
It's understood that Delap's current contract consists of a £30million release clause if Ipswich are relegated from the Premier League, a fate that Newcastle can conveniently inflict when the two sides meet at St James' Park on Saturday.
Despite growing speculation surrounding the future of his star striker, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna remains hopeful that Delap will remain at Portman Road next season.
"Can Liam play for the biggest clubs in the country, the biggest clubs in the world? He certainly can, I fully believe that,” McKenna told the East Anglian Daily Times.
He’s already shown the impact he can have at Premier League level in a team that has been fighting for everything, and I think he can have an outstanding impact at this level.
"As I've said before, I think there's certainly a possibility that he's an Ipswich player next year. I don't think anything's decided in anyone's mind.
"What's right for Liam? What's right for Ipswich? All those factors will come into play in the summer and the right decision will be made."
Newcastle's rumoured pursuit of Delap has prompted questions concerning Alexander Isak's future at the club.
The Swede has solidified his status as one of the world's best strikers with a second successive 20+ goal haul in the Premier League for Eddie Howe's men and the 25-year-old is not short of suitors.
UEFA Champions League qualification will play a pivotal role in Newcastle's ability to retain Isak and while the Magpies are eager to retain their prolific forward, a move for Delap would suggest the EFL Cup winners have a succession plan in place.
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