Young Manchester City prospect Liam Delap is on the verge of leaving the club this summer, with Stoke City expected to complete a loan deal for the striker in the next couple of days.
The 19-year-old has long been one of City’s top prospects since joining the club’s youth setup in 2019.
In the subsequent years, the striker lit up the scoring charts, ending his most recent campaign in the Premier League 2 with 24 goals in 20 games for City’s U-23 side.
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While many have tipped Delap to break into the City first team, the recent signings of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez in the centre-forward position have potentially blocked the teenager’s path to playing time.
As a result, City could look to move the striker out on loan for the season, and the Championship appears to be the most likely destination.
According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Stoke City were the team most hopeful to see Delap follow in his father’s footsteps and take the pitch at the bet365 Stadium - and it looks like that's coming to fruition.
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However, the Potters did face competition from fellow second tier side, West Bromwich Albion.
The Baggies thought they could take the driver's seat in the race for the young striker when US international, Daryl Dyke suffered a thigh injury in training, leaving a hole to be filled at centre-forward at the Hawthorns.
As reported by Elias Burke for The Athletic, West Brom believed Delap possesses a similar playing style to Dike, and enquired about his availability with City.
However, it looks like Delap has chosen Stoke as his destination and a medical is scheduled for later today.
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As per Burke's report, the Etihad club has received a plethora of inquiries in Delap from across Europe, including teams who have qualified for European competitions.
With Delap’s path into the first team currently blocked, City have sanctioned a loan move for the teenager this week.
Pep Guardiola said last weekend: "We loaned Macca (James McAtee), Liam is in that process because we have Erling and Julian and he needs minutes.
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"The EDS process has gone, is done [for Delap].
"He has to try and go there and play and the other ones. Luke Mbete, Rico, Josh will be with us, tomorrow [Sunday] will play with second team and train with us every day."
Delap is still said to be one for the future at the Etihad, but with too much competition for places currently, he could join the ever-growing list of prospects on the loan-list.
However, that is not to say his time is up at the Etihad Stadium.
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If he stays injury-free and scores goals consistently in the Championship, he could force his way back into Guardiola's plans.
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Stoke City, Liam Delap, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
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Adam Booker