Southampton target Liam Delap is "gettable" this summer, believes The Sun's Tom Barclay.

The Saints have so far struggled to get the striker out of Manchester City, but Barclay thinks he is attainable.

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What is the latest news involving Delap?

As per the reliable Fabrizio Romano, Southampton recently submitted a £16m bid for Delap, who is a top target for the south coast club.

However, that offer has been rejected, and it will now be interesting to see if Southampton go back in with a fresh proposal.

The 19-year-old is highly rated at the Etihad, with City manager Pep Guardiola describing him as a "special" striker earlier this year.

He scored eight goals in 10 Premier League 2 appearances last season and managed to make a few appearances for City's senior team.

What has Barclay said about Delap to Southampton?

Be it a loan deal or a permanent move, Barclays thinks Delap joining Southampton would make a lot of sense.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, The Sun journalist said: "Delap does feel like someone that is gettable this summer because his chances are going to be limited at Man City. He's also had injuries; he needs to go out and play games.

"You would think a loan would make most sense, but if City can get a good fee for him and include a buy-back clause, then that makes sense as well."

Why does Ralph Hasenhuttl want Delap?

Hasenhuttl mainly used a 4-4-2 formation last season, so he needs options up front.

The Austrian is without Armando Broja following his return to Chelsea after a successful loan spell on the south coast, while Shane Long has also left the club, rejoining Reading on a free transfer.

Hasenhuttl still has Che Adams and Adam Armstrong, while he has also just added Sekou Mara to his squad.

However, with Armstrong struggling last season and Mara a 19-year-old who is yet to step foot in the Premier League, the Southampton manager could still probably do with the arrival of another No.9.

From his perspective, hopefully Armstrong, who scored just two goals in the top flight during the 2021/22 campaign, can go up another level. But three forwards may not be enough if he continues to use a two-striker system.

Considering that, the Saints' pursuit of Delap, a No.9 who clearly has a lot of potential, makes plenty of sense. However, there is obviously a lot of work to do if they are to bring him to St Mary's before the transfer window shuts.