Liam Delap and his representatives find themselves in a strong position to negotiate with multiple clubs battling for the 22-year-old’s signature.

All but guaranteed to depart Ipswich this summer, Delap is expected to make a decision on his future before he travels to Slovakia with England’s Under-21s for this summers European Championships that will get underway on June 11.

Several sides are preparing to compete for his signature, leaving Delap in a point of power to dictate how much he will earn – and it may price some out of a deal.

Delap demanding hefty wages

Liam Delap is expected to ask for between £120,000 and £150,000 per week in wages, which would make him one of Newcastle’s top earners, according to the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder.

The 22-year-old’s £30m release clause is now active after Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed with a 3-0 defeat at St. James’ Park, and the ex-Manchester City man is well sought after.

Manchester United and Chelsea, neither of which have exactly been frugal in recent years and would have little issue meeting the high salary demands of Delap, are both said to be interested as are Bundesliga sides RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen.

Considering the reasonable fee of £30m, it’s possible the forward’s representatives are capitalising on the bargain release clause and using it as a catalyst to secure Delap a hefty wage packet.

That being said, most will be looking to sign him as their main centre-forward – a point where we may become somewhat stuck in negotiations with Delap being aware he would be competing with Alexander Isak. 

Six figures would be a big commitment for a second choice, but there is an obvious way to workaround an expensive new asset.

Wilson call coming soon? 

Callum Wilson’s future on Tyneside is in limbo with the 33-year-old being told he must earn a contract extension, with him currently scheduled to be a free agent come the summer.

Wilson is thought to be on good money; reportedly around £60,000-80,000 per week. Clearing that from the wage bill this summer would open up a little bit more freedom to offer Delap the wage that he seemingly requires.

Sadly Wilson’s best days are behind him and he has offered precious little in cameos from the bench this season. In my view it’s time to part ways with the ex-Bournemouth man.

Though it is a shame to miss out on a fee, we’re better off having him cleared from the weekly bill regardless of whether it is to free up funds for Delap or not.