Man Utd & Chelsea face fresh competition in Liam Delap race

Newcastle United are ready to rival Chelsea and Manchester United in pursuit of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, it has emerged.

22-year-old Delap, who has netted 12 times in the Premier League this season, is expected to leave Ipswich this summer, particularly if Kieran McKenna's side are relegated and a £30m release clause in Delap's contract becomes active.

Chelsea have longstanding interest in Delap, while United have recently made the young forward their top striker target for the summer window, but The Telegraph state the two clubs will have to fend off interest from Newcastle.

Delap's potential arrival on Tyneside could, however, signal the end for 33-year-old Callum Wilson, whose contract expires this summer. Newcastle do have a 12-month extension clause but are undecided over whether to trigger it.

Should Delap be available for £30m - Ipswich's relegation is almost certain, but not yet mathematically confirmed - it would come as no surprise to see more sides emerge as significant contenders for his signature.

The Athletic's David Ornstein states there is currently no favourite in the race for Delap who, because of his vast number of suitors, will have to decide the level at which he wishes to test himself. Newcastle are favourites to qualify for next season's Champions League but Chelsea could still join them in the Premier League's top five and United also have a route available through winning the Europa League.

A decision is expected to be made before Delap jets off with England for the Under-21 European Championships, which kicks off on June 11.

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD