Report: Southampton preparing improved bid of around £23 for Liam Delap

Southampton are preparing a new improved bid of around £23 million for Manchester City youngster Liam Delap.

The 19-year-old striker has been tipped for great things as he has shown glimpses of his potential in the junior ranks at Manchester City.

Contracted until 2026, Delap is a big prize in a devastatingly good City youth side and Guardiola is already aware of just how talented the youngster is.

He is highly-rated by the Premier League champions but with Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland added to their ranks in the summer, the England youth international is obviously going to find it very hard to get regular football.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl wants to take Delap to the south coast, but Manchester City are reluctant to sell and have already turned down an offer of £16m.

According to Italy-based journalist Ekrem KONUR, Southampton will substantially increase their bid for Delap, all the way up to £23m.

Southampton will be hoping a vastly improved proposal for Delap can force Manchester City to have a rethink.

Delap is with Manchester City’s touring party in the United States and has featured under Pep Guardiola.