STOKE CITY have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Manchester City prospect Liam Delap on loan.
The striker, 19, is highly rated by Etihad boss Pep Guardiola.
But he has made just six senior appearances for the Premier League champions in the last two years.
And Guardiola is keen to see Delap develop with some proper minutes under his belt.
Burnley, managed by City legend Vincent Kompany, were interested in a move after landing Delap’s teammate Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Southampton also had a stunning £20million offer rejected, having already spent a combined £24m on City kids Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia.
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But the Athletic claims Stoke have won the race for hitman Delap this summer.
Dad Rory is currently a first-team coach at the Championship club, having made 208 appearances for them as a player.
And Delap is now set to compete for a starting role under former Northern Ireland gaffer Michael O’Neill.
The teen is set to become Stoke’s NINTH signing of the window, with the Potters rebuilding after losing Benik Afobe, Steven Fletcher, James Chester, Tom Ince, Tommy Smith and Joe Allen.
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New signings include experienced ex-Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle, as well as highly-rated youngsters Will Smallbone from Southampton and Gavin Kilkenny from Bournemouth.
Versatile Brentford winger Tarique Fosu became Stoke’s latest capture yesterday.
And O’Neill will be hoping for a change of fortunes in tonight’s match against Middlesbrough, having lost two of his opening three league fixtures while being dumped out of the Carabao Cup to Morecambe.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
