Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has added Manchester City striker Liam Delap to a list of potential summer targets and the youngster could head to St Mary's on loan, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

Saints have been under new ownership since Sport Republic clinched a controlling stake in January, meaning there is a possibility that Hasenhuttl will be given the opportunity to freshen up his squad when the transfer window reopens next month.

What's the latest news involving Delap?

Delap may have missed large chunks of the campaign, both at senior and youth level, but it appears he is still on Southampton's radar.

Saints are reportedly weighing up whether to offer the 19-year-old a loan move to St Mary's after enjoying previous success in pouncing for some of the most exciting talent on Premier League rivals' books.

Hasenhuttl is understood to be keen on raiding Manchester City's academy and has Delap in his sights ahead of the upcoming transfer window opening for business.

Delap has links to Southampton as his father, Rory, made 152 appearances for the south coast club during his playing career.

The frontman has previously earned praise from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who suggested Delap is progressing 'incredibly well'.

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What has Tom Barclay said about Delap?

Barclay understands Delap is on Southampton boss Hasenhuttl's radar and believes a summer move could be in the offing.

However, the journalist feels a loan switch is more likely than the teenage sensation heading to St Mary's on a permanent basis.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "Delap is on the list as a possible target. You would think that is probably more of a loan because he's been injured pretty much all season.

"It's also probably more likely a loan rather than permanent because Guardiola seems to like him a lot."

Why is Delap of interest to Southampton?

Hasenhuttl's striker options are set to decrease in the summer as Armando Broja's loan from Chelsea will come to an end and Shane Long's £60,000-per-week contract is due to expire.

Southampton have struggled to find the back of the net this season, with them only scoring 42 Premier League goals, so Hasenhuttl could do with adding further ammunition in any event.

Delap has shown he can be a serious threat in the opposition's penalty area by adding his name to the scoresheet 48 times over the course of just 69 senior and youth appearances.