Manchester City are reportedly preparing to sell striker Liam Delap to the highest bidder in this summer's transfer window.
The 21-year-old is yet to establish himself as a first-team player at the Etihad Stadium since joining the club's academy from Derby County in 2019.
Delap scored 35 goals in 36 appearances for the Citizens' Under-23s squad and the decision was then made for him to gain senior experience out on loan.
The striker, son of Rory Delap, endured a challenging 2022-23 campaign during loan spells at Stoke City and then Preston North End, scoring only four goals across 38 games.
Delap was then given another chance to test himself in the Championship with Hull City this season and scored eight goals in 31 league appearances as the Tigers narrowly missed out on the playoffs - finishing seventh and three points behind the top six.
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Delap set for Man City exit?
Delap has two years remaining on his contract at the Etihad, but his long-term future at Man City, where he has made just six senior appearances, remains uncertain.
According to The Sun, Man City are willing to entertain offers of around £10m for the striker this summer.
The report adds that the Citizens may also want to include a 'buy-back' clause in any deal for the England Under-21 international.
It is understood that Delap is unlikely to figure in Pep Guardiola's first-team plans any time soon, and a permanent exit could be on the cards after three separate loan spells.
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Who could be interested in Liam Delap?
It remains to be seen whether Delap would be keen to continue his development in the Championship or test himself in the Premier League next season.
Hull could be interested in keeping hold of Delap as they bid to make another push for promotion in 2024-25, and the striker would likely be assured of regular first-team football under Liam Rosenior.
Forking out around £10m on one player could prove challenging for the Tigers, though, unless they come to some agreement with Man City over a mandatory buy option should they secure promotion to the top flight next season.
Delap has previously been linked with fellow second-tier club Southampton, who allegedly had a £16m offer turned down by Man City in the summer of 2022, but it is unclear as to whether the Saints still hold an interest in the youngster.
Clubs such as Sheffield United and Burnley, the latter managed by Man City legend Vincent Kompany, could also explore the possibility of signing a player of Delap's calibre.
Oliver Thomas
