Striker Delap snubs United for Chelsea

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.

- STUART JAMIESON

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 UEFA Conference League winners appears to be top of Delap's wishlist. 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.