The Sun journalist Tom Barclay has issued a Southampton transfer update… 

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the reporter spoke about Liam Delap’s future at Manchester City amid talk of a potential move away.

He said: “I believe he hasn’t gone on loan yet or signed anywhere else. So that might be one they might try and revisit.

“But yeah, it’s got to be something that Southampton fans are worried about [needing a new striker] amongst a lot of things at the moment.”

It had previously been claimed that the Saints had made a bid for the player but City rejected it, with the Citizens only willing to loan him out.

Hasenhuttl needs him

The youngster has earned huge praise throughout his short career in Manchester, especially from Pep Guardiola, who labelled him a “typical British striker” with “special qualities”.

Having featured predominantly in the Premier League 2 last season he bagged eight goals in ten games for the U23 side, taking his overall career tally to 47 goals.

His proficiency in front of goal at youth level suggests he is ready for the step up, and with Southampton still desperate for a striker following the departure of Armando Broja back to Chelsea, it makes perfect sense.

Last season the Albania international scored six, but his physical presence up front was worth its weight in gold for the Saints.

Standing at 6 feet, Delap himself can certainly provide this for Hasenhuttl’s team whilst growing into the role.

The £8k-per-week “finisher” in the words of Guardiola, only featured once in the Premier League last season, however his 7.0 SofaScore rating suggests that he is more than capable of performing at this level.

He also featured in one Champions League game, suggesting that he would enter the St Mary’s Stadium with experience far beyond his years.

With Southampton’s incredible record for developing young talent, notably Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw and James Ward-Prowse, it should also tempt Delap to make the move himself, as he would certainly be afforded huge opportunities at the highest level.

Both club and player would benefit from this move, it is just whether the English forward is willing to take the plunge to leave his comfortable situation at the Premier League giants to ply his trade lower down the league.

Hasenhuttl is desperate for a striker, and he could be the answer to his prayers.