Chelsea completed the signing of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town on Wednesday.
The Englishman netted 12 goals for Kieran McKenna’s side in the Premier League last season, but the Blues have triggered a £30 million release clause in the player’s contract that became active following the Tractor Boys’ relegation to the Championship.
Delap becomes Chelsea’s second summer signing, following the arrival of midfielder Dario Essugo from Portuguese side Sporting CP.
While the West London giants are unlikely to stop spending any time soon, it appears that one of their current crop of players is attracting interest from a Premier League rival.
According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle United are interested in Chelsea and England winger Noni Madueke.
The 23-year-old joined Chelsea from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, having previously been part of the academy at fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Madueke has emerged as a target for Newcastle United (Photo: Every Second Media/Alamy)
Since returning to London, Madueke has scored 20 goals in 87 games for Chelsea, as well as providing nine assists.
He featured more than 40 times for Enzo Maresca’s side across all competitions last term, and the report suggests that the Blues are unlikely to allow the England international to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
Despite this, the Magpies have been in contact in order to find out about the player’s situation, while Italian outfit AC Milan are also said to be keeping tabs on the winger.
Madueke is under contract at Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2029/30 season, and the report claims that the Blues would likely only be willing to negotiate a possible deal for a fee in excess of £50 million.
The winger, who can play on either flank but primarily operates on the right, has been included in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad for upcoming games against Andorra and Senegal.