Southampton could revisit the potential signing of Manchester City and England U19 striker Liam Delap this summer, according to Tom Barclay of The Sun.
The 19-year-old has been linked with both permanent and loan moves away from the Etihad Stadium this summer.
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What’s the latest on Delap?
According to Fabrizio Romano in July, Championship side Stoke City were in advanced talks to sign Delap on a season-long loan, with Southampton’s bid of £16m having been rejected for the young forward.
The same tweet also suggests that the Manchester club may have received an approach from Newcastle United for the 6 foot 1 striker’s services this summer.
However, news on the move has now gone quiet, suggesting that Delap’s move to the Potteries may now not be quite as certain as it seemed in July.
And Barclay believes that Southampton are still monitoring the situation of the one-time England U19 international, and may revisit the transfer this summer.
What has Barclay said about Delap?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “I mentioned before, there's been interest in Liam Delap, they’re still waiting to see what happens with him.”
“I believe he hasn't gone on loan yet, or signed anywhere else.
“So that might be one they might try and revisit.
“But yeah, it's got to be something that Southampton fans are worried about [needing a new striker] amongst a lot of things at the moment.”
Would Delap be a good signing for Southampton
Delap may not be the most recognisable name to Southampton fans, but Ralph Hasenhüttl may believe that if the young City starlet could reach his potential at St. Mary’s this season, he could have a potential gem on his hands.
The Winchester-born striker made 10 appearances for Manchester City U23’s in the Premier League 2 last season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists according to Transfermarkt, suggesting that he has now cracked youth football, and might be prepared for a chance at playing senior first-team football.
Delap would likely have a strong chance of first-team football on the south coast as well, with Ché Adams’ future in doubt, whilst Adam Armstrong hasn’t hit the heights since his move from Blackburn Rovers, and Sékou Mara has only recently joined the club from Bordeaux.
Therefore, it might be in the best interests of both Delap and Southampton for the young striker to make the move down south, in a bid to get the forward’s senior career underway, whilst Hasenhüttl is unlikely to turn down another striker option at the club for this season.