Journalist Alex Crook has claimed that Liam Delap is on Southampton’s list of targets for this summer’s transfer window.
There have been reports stating that Southampton are one of the clubs interested in signing Delap this summer, but they face competition as Burnley are also interested in signing him, with the Manchester City link apparent with Vincent Kompany being their new manager.
Delap made just five appearances for the Man City first team last season and made a further 10 appearances in the Premier League 2, where he scored eight goals, so he might be keen to go elsewhere and play regular first-team football – and Southampton might be the place for that.
As Delap does not look like he is going to be a big part of Manchester City’s plans next season, Crook spoke on TalkSport and claimed that he is on the Saints’ list of targets this summer.
He said: “I know Southampton have him on their list of targets; they’re looking for a striker to replace Armando Broja, who did reasonably well on loan from Chelsea last season, but I think they are looking for a permanent signing. At the moment, Manchester City [are] only willing to Delap go out on loan.”
Would you be happy with Delap at Southampton?Yes
No
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TIF Thoughts on Crook’s comments…
Armando Broja spent last season on loan with Southampton and he did relatively well after scoring nine goals in 38 appearances during his first full season in the Premier League. Delap might see this and think that he will be given a similar amount of chances for the Saints if he was to join next season, which could be a big pull for the 19-year-old.
However, it appears Manchester City are not too keen to let him leave on a permanent deal, and given Crook also claimed that Ralph Hasenhuttl is looking to bring someone in permanently, perhaps a compromise can be reached in the form of a loan move with an option to buy that suits all parties.