According to the Daily Star, Spanish giants Real Madrid are preparing a move for Manchester City youngster and former Derby County academy star Liam Delap.
The striker joined City for a fee of around £1.2m in the summer of 2019 when he was just 16 years old and has since made 37 appearances in their academy set up, scoring 34 times and registering 13 assists thus far.
Now an 18-year-old, Delap has made three senior appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring once in a 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth in the EFL Cup.
Currently on international duty with England U18s, it has been reported that Los Blancos are keen on sealing a deal for the ex-Ram.
Real have made contact with Delap’s representatives to declare an interest and are closely monitoring the Englishman’s progression.
City had been readying the teen for more first team action this season, and it’s unlikely that they will see the move go through without a fight, especially in wake of the news that club legend Sergio Aguero is set to leave once the current season draws to a close.
There’s a position to be filled at The Etihad, but is the 2x English Youth League winner ready for a continued run in the Man City first team? It may be too big of an ask for now.
Derby were linked with a loan move for the forward earlier this month alongside Stoke City and Bournemouth, that deal may become less likely should Zinedine Zidane get his man.
Delap’s contract with the Citizens runs until 2023, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his deal extended in order to fend off interest from Europe’s fellow elite.