Stoke City want to sign Manchester City starlet Liam Delap on loan this summer, according to The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon.
The Lowdown: Southampton’s offer
Last week The Athletic reported that Man City had rejected a £16m bid from Southampton for the 19-year-old striker.
Saints are long-term admirers of the England U19 international, who signed a new three-year deal at the Etihad last year.
He has made two appearances in the Premier League for Pep Guardiola’s side.
The Latest: Sheldon’s news
Sheldon has shared an update on the speculation surrounding Delap’s rumoured City departure.
Taking to Twitter, the reliable journalist claimed: “Stoke City want to sign Manchester City forward Liam Delap on loan. No option to buy.
“They are one of several clubs interested in the 19-year-old.
“MCFC do not want to sell & have already turned down a £16m bid from Southampton.”
The Verdict: Limited minutes at City
The Blues striker will be weighing up his options ahead of the new Premier League season.
With minutes limited in Guardiola’s star-studded XI, Delap is not expected to receive a lot of game time in the English top-flight during this year’s campaign.
As a result, a loan move away for the season could be hugely beneficial for the 19-year-old, who has been hailed by the City boss for having 'special qualities'.
Liam’s father, Rory, played for Stoke between 2007 and 2013, where he was a key member of the side who achieved promotion to the Premier League (via The Athletic).
With the familiarity of Stoke, a loan switch to the Championship outfit could be the easiest transition to make in securing regular minutes playing first-team football.