Chelsea interested in Nick Woltemade, Liam Delap swap with Newcastle United
Ciaran McCarthy
Chelsea are interested in Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade and could pursue a swap deal with Newcastle United involving Liam Delap, who's reportedly ready to leave Stamford Bridge, according to insider Simon Phillips.
Woltemade and Delap both made moves this summer, with the former joining Newcastle from Stuttgart and the latter heading to Chelsea from Ipswich.
The German made a promising start, netting seven Premier League goals in his first 10 games, but he hasn't found the net in the league since December.
Delap, meanwhile, has largely been secondary in Chelsea's attack to Joao Pedro, and the Englishman has just one goal to his name in the league.
Reports have long suggested that his spell with the Blues could only last this year, and according to insider Simon Phillips, Delap has decided it would be best for him to move on.
That could play into Chelsea's hands, as they reportedly want to sign Woltemade from Newcastle, who themselves may be interested in landing Delap, after they eyed him in the summer.
Phillips reports that an enquiry will be made for Woltemade from Chelsea if Newcastle approach for Delap, potentially leading to a swap deal between the two Premier League sides.
Indeed, it's stated the Blues are ready to offer the German the chance to play as a No.9 next season, despite the presence of form striker Pedro and incoming Emmanuel Emegha.
Woltemade started this season playing up top for Newcastle but has recently been moved into an attacking-midfield role in order to effect the game more as the goals have dried up.
Chelsea have more options up top
Woltemade is not the only man Chelsea are looking at for the No.9 position in the summer. It is also reported they have eyes on Julian Alvarez, who's currently starring for Atletico Madrid.
It is believed that there would be competition for his signing from Arsenal and Barcelona, though, meaning Chelsea are looking at alternative targets like Woltemade.
If given the choice between the two, the answer seems a pretty obvious one, though.
Alvarez, who was directly involved in 55 goals in 103 games in English football with Manchester City, has not slacked off since heading to Spain, where this season, the Atletico forward has 17 goals and nine assists in all competitions.
He's also capable of playing in multiple positions in the final third, giving Chelsea options to fit him and another striker into the side, where with Woltemade, though he's been playing as an attacking-midfielder, he's not done it to the same level of success Alvarez can have elsewhere.
