MANCHESTER City have reportedly rejected a massive bid of up to £30million from Southampton for young striker Liam Delap.
The 19-year-old England youth international has been a target for the Saints throughout the summer transfer window as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Part of the Young Lions squad that won the European Under-19 Championship this month, Delap, son of Rory, faces stiff competition from new signing Erling Haaland at City.
In addition, 22-year-old Argentine sensation Julian Alvarez has arrived in Manchester from River Plate and is also up against his already limited first-team opportunity.
Delap has made six appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side since making his debut in 2020, but has reportedly had a huge show of faith from the legendary boss.
The Daily Star details that City have rejected a transfer offer from Saints of £20m upfront with an extra £10m in add-ons, a package that would be a record for St Mary’s.
They add that he was rejected after a veto directly from Guardiola himself, who sees the youngster in his eventual plans despite the competition that awaits him.
Saints have already raided City’s academy for two of their most promising youngsters with permanent deals for goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and midfielder Romeo Lavia.
The pair have impressed for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in pre-season, including, most recently, in a 0-0 draw against Championship side Watford.
The Austrian manager has insisted on signing more strikers, saying “there will definitely be more” even after Sekou Mara’s arrival is confirmed.
🚨 With the Premier League underway in less than two weeks, #SaintsFC need strikers.
Sekou Mara’s, but Ralph insists they’ll “definitely bring more.”
➕ He called Mara an “amazing opportunity. A bit like Broja but this time he’s our player and not just on loan.”
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) July 24, 2022
Delap, who scores for fun and has broken through at Premier League 2 level and is away in the United States with the first team for pre-season, looks more likely to leave the Etihad Stadium on loan next campaign.
Burnley, managed by City legend Vincent Kompany, have been mooted as a possible destination for the Winchester-born forward.
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