Former Newcastle United defender John Anderson has pushed for the signing of a £30m forward who would give a “different option” to Alexander Isak.

Callum Wilson is set to depart in the summer and with Will Osula still a raw talent Newcastle need to sign a centre-forward to rotate with the Swedish talisman with European football coming to St. James’ Park next season.

A current Premier League talent is being suggested as a likely option for the Toon to consider, however plenty of competition for the signature of a man who has bagged 12 league goals this season is expected.

Delap “ticks boxes” for Toon

BBC Radio Newcastle’s John Anderson has explained why a move for Liam Delap could be a no-brainer after the forward’s standout season for Ipswich Town.

12 points away from safety, it seems likely that the Tractor Boys will soon return Championship, meaning Delap will become available for £30m via a relegation release clause confirmed this week by multiple outlets.

Ipswich have struggled in the top flight, but Delap has netted an impressive 12 Premier League goals and the physical forward has drawn interest from the ourselves, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Ando believes competition for the 22-year-old would be fierce, but Newcastle should definitely consider pursuing the former Manchester City man.

“I think for £30m you would have to see yes [he would be on Newcastle’s shortlist]. £30m nowadays isn’t a great deal of money. He got his move to Ipswich, and in a side that’s struggled he’s been their standout player.

“The only problem is that there would be other people looking at him as well. I don’t think we would be the only ones that would be interested in him, and then they get into a bidding war.

“The one thing he does do is he falls into the right category. He’s young, he’s homegrown to a degree with being English, he ticks an awful lot of boxes.

“He gives you a different option [to Alexander Isak]. He likes to come short, he’s got a physical presence about him. He’s a big boy and he doesn’t mind the physical aspect of the game, doesn’t mind going and putting himself about against centre backs

“He’s a different type of player to Isak so he gives you that different option, but I think he falls into the category where you would have to have a look at him. I would most definitely [be happy with him at Newcastle].”

The Isak issue

If Newcastle want to take our project to the next level then we need two good players in each position. The issue that arises is would a rising talent like Delap be comfortable as a second option.

Manchester United are crying out for a number nine and Delap has also outscored Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, along with every single Spurs player this season, so it’s likely he would get more minutes elsewhere with Alexander Isak in his way on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe’s system (4-3-3) only allows for one up top, leaving Delap reduced to minutes off the bench and cup competitions. Would he be guaranteed enough minutes to consider Newcastle as his first choice option?

It would be a perfect signing as far as we’re concerned, with Wilson’s best years behind him and Osula is still raw. Delap would give us something different and goals from the bench, but it may be a tough sell.