Liam Delap's Newcastle United transfer motivation clear despite Man Utd arrogance

As Ipswich Town arrive at St James' Park this weekend, all eyes will be on Liam Delap amid Newcastle United's reported in the 22-year-old hitman. With 12 goals for the doomed Tractor Boys in the Premier League and a £30m release clause ready to be activated once the club's relegation is confirmed, Delap is set to be hot property this summer.

Manchester United are just one of the other top flight sides willing to trigger that enticing clause in the coming months, with many in the red half of the city, somewhat arrogantly, scoffing at the suggestion Delap would favour a move to St James' Park to sit on the bench behind Alexander Isak over an Old Trafford switch.

There is an argument the striker will receive more game time at Manchester United but the argument negates to mention the fact the Red Devils and the Magpies are heading in two entirely different directions at present. Ruben Amorim's side, who have thrown all their eggs in the Europa League basket after a torrid season in the league, may be able to offer the youngster regular minutes - but they are a fallen giant who look years away from returning to anywhere near their former glory.

On the flip side, Eddie Howe continues to work wonders on Tyneside. Even a short glimpse at the goings on in and around St James' Park and Delap should, in theory, need little added motivation to see how attractive a proposition a move to the north east could be.

Collectively, Europe beckons once again for the black and whites - who have already booked their place in some form of competition on the continent after their Carabao Cup triumph. On a personal level, Howe could be the manager to transform Delap and take him to the next level.

Just look what he has done with Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Jacob Murphy, Joelinton, Fabian Schar, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, Lewis Miley. The list could go on. Players, young and old, improved by the meticulous work of Howe behind the scenes.

This is a manager who can turn you into an international footballer, give you the chance to play European football and earn you the chance to win trophies. Manchester United may have positives to offer - but let's not pretend Newcastle is not an equally attractive proposition for a young player looking for a bigger move.

Howe, quizzed on Delap this week, admitted his admiration for the player ahead of the Ipswich showdown. Time will tell to see who wins the race for the former Manchester City prospect this summer.

"He's a pivotal player for them, there's no denying that," Howe said on Friday morning. "I think he's had a very good season.

"He's got big strengths, very strong, powerful runner. Certainly knows where the goal is. I think he's had a really good season.

"He's always had a lot of potential. You could see from the very early times we've played against him previously, what a threat he can be. But they have other players as well around their team and their squad who can contribute effectively to their attacking game."