After it was announced that Sergio Aguero will leave Manchester City in the summer earlier this week, there have been plenty of reports linking Pep Guardiola’s side with possible replacements.
However, City could be set to lose 18-year-old Liam Delap, who has been touted as a potential long-term replacement for the Argentine this summer, after it was reported that Real Madrid are considering a move for the teenager.
According to the Daily Star, the Spanish giants are weighing up a move for the former Derby County youngster, who has excelled in Manchester City’s academy sides since joining.
Despite only turning 18 in February, Delap has been a regular in City’s under-23 side this season and has been scoring for fun in the Premier League 2, with 20 goals in just 15 appearances so far this term.
Will Delap leave City?
Yes
No
His superb form in the academy has seen him make three senior appearances in Guardiola’s side this season, which included a debut goal in the 2-1 win against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season.
After scoring a brace for the under-18s earlier in the season, manager Carlos Vicens was full of praise for Delap, saying:
“We know Liam very well, I worked with him all last season and he’s a winner.
“He’s a guy who loves being around this group of players, enjoys being on the pitch and obviously with his passion, his energy, his power, he’s almost a guy that creates fear when he’s on the pitch.”
With only Gabriel Jesus currently available as a senior option up front for Guardiola ahead of next season, the Spanish manager will be desperate to keep hold of Delap, who is clearly destined for a big future with the Citizens, but he may well be tempted away by the glamour of Real Madrid.
Therefore, City should do everything they can to keep hold of the teenage striker, as Guardiola would surely not be happy if he were allowed to leave.
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