Premier League clubs will need to offer Liam Delap a hefty wage packet to secure his signature in the summer transfer window. The Ipswich Town striker's representatives are gearing up for his departure from Portman Road this summer, with a £30million release clause likely to be activated in the coming weeks. Ipswich will owe Manchester City 20 per cent of the proceeds due to a sell-on clause.

Following Ipswich's relegation, Delap's release clause was reduced from £40m to £30m. This was confirmed after their return to the Championship was sealed with a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle at St James' Park. Magpies sporting director Paul Mitchell closely monitored Delap's performance during the match.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur are all thought to be interested in Delap this summer, while City also have a buy-back clause. However, with Delap expected to demand wages between £120,000 to £150,000 per week, clubs will have to seriously consider whether they're willing to make the 22-year-old one of their highest earners.

While financial powerhouses like Chelsea and Man United can easily meet such demands, Newcastle must take a broader view. Even after three unproductive transfer windows, balancing their finances this summer will be crucial.

Delap's representatives are likely to feel confident about the striker's position given his performances this season. The England under-21 international is seen as a future star for the Three Lions.

At 22, he has a significant opportunity to secure a deal that would carry him into his prime years, with a five-year contract being considered for the 6ft 1in forward.

Currently, players like Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon earn around £150,000 per week at Newcastle. Delap earns significantly less at Ipswich but is aware of the substantial options available to him this summer. Delap has scored a dozen goals this season, reaching double figures for the first time in his budding career.

However, Newcastle must budget wisely this summer. Even though the wage budget could soon accommodate players like Lloyd Kelly at £150,000 per week and Matt Targett at £100,000 per week, maintaining wage balance and squad harmony is a priority at Newcastle.

Another significant decision for Newcastle will be regarding Callum Wilson and whether to extend the striker's contract. Wilson's next career move is crucial for United as it will necessitate the search for a new forward.

Delap has been turning heads this season, delivering crucial goals against top teams like Chelsea, Spurs, Aston Villa, and a match-winning strike in a 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth.

Kieran McKenna recently praised Delap's potential, saying: "I don't think anything's decided in anyone's mind. But can Liam play for the biggest clubs in the country, the biggest clubs in the world? He certainly can. I fully believe that.

"He's already shown the impact he can have at Premier League level in a team that have really been fighting for everything. I think he can have an outstanding impact at this level."

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