Former Premier League striker Frank McAvennie has claimed that Liam Delap could become a forgotten man at Manchester City following the arrival of Erling Haaland.

The Lowdown: Man City open to Delap exit

The 19-year-old still has four years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium after penning an extension to his deal last summer, but he spent the whole of last season playing for the under-23s without being able to make a genuine breakthrough into the first team.

Journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed last week that the Sky Blues are willing to let the forward go in the coming weeks, with both Burnley and Southampton the two main clubs to have emerged as serious potential suitors.

The Latest: McAvennie’s comments

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie was quick to insist that Delap should have been given a chance to shine in Man City’s senior squad last term, but now fears for the youngster's first-team prospects following the summer arrival of the hugely prolific Erling Haaland.

The former Aston Villa forward said: “I don’t know why, if he’s that good a striker and spoken so highly of, he didn’t get a game. They played so many games last year without a striker.

“You’re not getting in the team now that Haaland’s there. I would be a bit concerned for myself if I was in that team, I’d be wondering why, if I’m supposed to be a good striker, why he wasn’t playing me.

“I’d have left before now. I’d have been knocking on Pep’s [Guardiola] door before now.“

The Verdict: He could go

Oleksandr Zinchenko looks like he’s on his way out as he closes in on a move to Arsenal; and if McAvennie's comments about his game-time prove prophetic, Delap could be next to head for the Etihad exit door in what would be a real blow for the champions.

The Winchester-born talent, who was once dubbed an ‘exceptional’ striker by City manager Pep Guardiola, missed chunks of last season due to injury but still managed to score eight goals and provide two assists in ten Premier League 2 appearances when involved in the action, as per Transfermarkt.

Delap is arguably one of City’s most exciting young talents coming through the ranks, and whether it happens on loan or on a permanent basis, it would be a shame for the club to lose the services of someone who has so much potential for the future.

However, if he struggles to get a look-in for the first team again next season, the 19-year-old could indeed seek to move on from the Etihad.