Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - February 12, 2022, Manchester City's Liam Delap applauds fans.
Southampton look set to miss out on signing Manchester City striker Liam Delap this summer, according to an update relayed by Fabrizio Romano.
The lowdown: Hot property
Having made an impressive rise through the youth ranks in Manchester, the 19-year-old has become a highly sought-after commodity in the ongoing transfer window.
The England youth international has amassed 63 direct goal contributions from 68 appearances across all competitions so far between youth and senior football and has reportedly attracted attention from the Saints, along with Brighton, Newcastle, Burnley and Stoke City, among others.
However, it now appears that the striker’s immediate future has been decided upon, and it isn’t positive news for Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl…
The latest: ‘Official bid’ made
Taking to Twitter, reputable journalist Romano has relayed a report from The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon that Stoke are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Delap, citing a ‘rejected’ offer from the Saints in the process.
He said: “Stoke City are in advanced talks to sign Liam Delap, favourites to find full agreement with Man City. #MCFC
“Been told City will only let Delap go on loan. Southampton £16m official bid and Newcastle approaches have been rejected. Stoke, on it – as per @dansheldonsport.”
The verdict: Big blow for Southampton
Despite completing the signing of talented forward Sekou Mara from Bordeaux already this summer, Hasenhuttl is clearly desperate to add further firepower to the St Mary’s ranks following a disappointing campaign in front of goal for Che Adams and Adam Armstrong in 2021/22 as they managed only 11 goals between them.
Albeit relatively inexperienced at the senior level with just six first-team outings under his belt, Delap has consistently proven to be an astute operator in the final third in youth football, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 15 appearances across all competitions at senior and youth level last term.
If indeed Southampton miss out on the £1.35m-valued teenager, seemingly owing to a desire to strike a permanent deal, they may well be forced to turn their attention to bringing back Chelsea ace Armando Broja following his loan spell at St Mary’s last term.
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