Romano: Southampton ‘interested’ in move for ‘deadly’ forward; decision ‘in the next days’

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Southampton are ‘interested’ in a move for Manchester City forward Liam Delap this summer.

As per City’s official website, the 19-year-old arrived in the Premier League in 2019 when he joined the Sky Blues as a scholar from Derby, working his way up through the under-18 ranks towards signing his first professional contract the following year.

Ralph Hasenhuttl is in the market for a new striker after the departures of Shane Long and Armando Broja, and after a fresh update, it looks as though the Austrian is firmly looking in the direction of the Etihad Stadium to find his replacement.

Taking to Twitter, Romano stated that the Saints are tracking Delap, but the player would prefer a permanent deal rather than a temporary move.

The Italian journalist wrote: “Manchester City are prepared to let Liam Delap leave in the next weeks. Been told Burnley asked for Delap on loan until end of the season, while Southampton are also interested but for permanent move. Final decision to be made in the next days.”

Southampton have already raided the Etihad this summer after capturing the signings of youngsters Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia, so the existing connection between the two clubs could give the south coast outfit an advantage over their competitors for Delap.

Hailed as a ‘deadly’ player by sports journalist Josh Bunting, the 19-year-old would be the perfect candidate to lead the line for the Saints, having made a remarkable total of 44 goal contributions in just 36 appearances for City’s under-23s, as per Transfermarkt, highlighting the massive threat that he possesses in the final third.

The teenager still has four years remaining on his current contract in Manchester, so it