New Manchester City under-23 coach Brian Barry-Murphy expects Liam Delap to stay at the club this season – but not as an academy player.

There has been plenty of speculation that the 18-year-old striker could go out on loan this season in order to gain some vital experience, with a long list of Championship clubs interested in securing the talents of the highly-rated striker this month.

However, Barry-Murphy says he’s expecting Delap to be a City player this season, rather than get senior experience out on loan.

“Liam’s dad is a very good friend of mine,” said Barry-Murphy as quoted by MEN.

“I think Rory’s trying to stay out of it, so I was going to follow suit. I know Liam’s recovering from injury at the moment. That will be important for him, one of a few setbacks he’s had in the last few months.

“Obviously his progress is there for all to see and I presume he’s very much part of the first-team plans and that’s how he progresses in the future.”

“Obviously, it’s up to the club,” he said when asked about his future. “I think what’s happened at the club so far has been amazing for me and I trust them to make the right decision.

These Barry-Murphy’s comment has prompt Plenty of Sky Blues to react on social media.

he better be.. seems Harold deal wont happen.. we need you delap
— NatashaDi (@lovelyDi11) August 16, 2021

Give him a chance
— Zhong li ying (@zhongliying1992) August 16, 2021

He starts over jesus
— CR7GOAT7 (@goat7_cr7) August 16, 2021

Him being part of the first team plans doesn’t necessarily mean loan is out of the question. Murphy could just be talking about City’s future first team plans.
— Riwaz (@wazattack) August 16, 2021

If Man City fail to bring Kane to the Etihad, then Delap can be an option, Delap also has a stature similar to Kane and Haaland, he is also tall and has good finishing.
— Yinteam (@YinteamCo) August 16, 2021