Newcastle United are making waves in the summer transfer market with a surprising new target: Chelsea forward Liam Delap. While many reports have linked the Magpies with a move for Nicolas Jackson, reliable sources now suggest Delap is the priority.

Jackson, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, is expected to return to Chelsea this summer after the Bundesliga club declined to trigger their buy option. This opens the door for Newcastle to pursue a different striker entirely.

The Magpies' forward line has struggled this season after failing to properly replace Alexander Isak, who departed last summer. Both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have been inconsistent, and both are expected to leave Tyneside in the coming months. That makes a new striker a top priority for manager Eddie Howe.

According to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, Newcastle see Delap as a promising long-term option. "There is interest in Liam Delap, particularly from Newcastle United, who will add another striker this summer," Jacobs said. "If Newcastle are going to raid Chelsea for a striker, it would more likely be Delap than Nico Jackson as of now."

Delap's limited role at Chelsea this season—just two goals in 26 Premier League appearances and five Champions League matches, averaging barely 38 minutes per game—has left his future uncertain. But Newcastle view that as an opportunity, potentially landing him on the cheap as a developmental project.

Jacobs added that Newcastle will be "really busy" this summer, with potential departures of key players forcing the club to balance their books while still strengthening. For a team hungry to climb the table, a young, hungry striker like Delap could be exactly what the doctor ordered.