Former Manchester City defender Michael Ball feels that a loan move for striker Liam Delap could possibly help him.

Liam, the son of Rory Delap, has been linked with one of his father’s old clubs in Stoke City according to the Manchester Evening News. Alongside the Potters, a number of other clubs, including West Bromwich Albion, Millwall and according to Lancs Live, Preston North End, have been linked with a summer move for the forward.

Delap was in impressive form last season in the Premier League 2, scoring 24 goals in just 20 games and former Cityzen Michael Ball believes a loan move away from the Etihad Stadium could possibly benefit the young striker, exclusively telling the Transfer Tavern: “When I’ve seen him play for the first-team he’s done well, he’s a different type of striker than City have had, he’s sort of stuck between a big guy going forward but he likes running in behind as well. 

“So, I feel a loan could possibly help him again for one more year, but I wouldn’t go against if he actually wants to push a move permanently to get his career on track now, you’re only young for so many years and you want to start making a name for yourself, you want to get a shirt, name on your back and that’s your main position.”

Delap made his senior debut for Manchester City last season against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup, marking his City bow with a goal.

After Sergio Aguero left the Etihad Stadium this summer, City have been linked with a move for Tottenham striker Harry Kane and according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, City have already had a bid of £100m turned down for the England international.

If Kane does become a Manchester City player, though, it could see Delap’s game time limited in the first team and so a loan move could be beneficial to his development this season.