Manchester City youngster Liam Delap has got a huge career in the game according to former City defender Michael Ball.

Delap scored 30 goals in just 27 appearances last season for Manchester City, including a goal in the Carabao Cup against AFC Bournemouth which was his senior debut.

After an impressive season for City’s academy there have been a number of clubs chasing the youngster, but according to Football Insider it appears that Stoke City have beaten everyone and are close to signing Delap on loan.

Former Cityzen defender Michael Ball has been full of praise for the striker and believes he will do very well in his career, telling Transfer Tavern: “I think he’s got a huge career in the game and you know whatever decision he makes will be up to him and good luck to him.”

 A loan move away from the Etihad Stadium may benefit Delap as City appear to be adding even more talent to their squad this summer. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that City were pushing to complete a deal for Jack Grealish in the next few days from Aston Villa and the club have also been linked with a summer move for Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

With the possibility of two new arrivals at the Etihad, it may hamper Delap’s game time in the first team, so a season out on loan playing regularly may help the youngster to develop his game further.