West Bromwich Albion have been handed a potential boost to their chances of bringing Liam Delap to The Hawthorns this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a claim made by John Percy, with The Telegraph journalist revealing on Twitter that the chances of Stoke City securing the signing of the Manchester City centre-forward on a season-long loan deal are less than 50/50.

Previous reports have claimed that a number of Championship sides, including West Brom, have been keeping a close eye on the situation of the 18-year-old ahead of a potential move, although it appeared as if Stoke were leading the race for the England under-19 international.

However, following Percy's latest update, it would seem as if the door is still open for an Albion swoop this summer, with the journalist's tweet reading: "Talks have been held with Man City over a loan move for Liam Delap - said to be less than 50/50 at this stage."

Ismael must act

It has been no secret that Valerien Ismael is looking to strengthen at centre-forward this summer, and considering the sheer amount of potential Delap seems to possess and that an opportunity to land the Manchester City youngster appears to have presented itself, the Frenchman simply must act.

Indeed, over his 20 Premier League 2 appearances for City's under-23 side last season, the £900k-rated talent scored a whopping 24 goals and registered five assists - with his performances playing a key role in his team winning the Premier League 2 title, as well as him landing the league's Player of the Year award.

The £5k-per-week man, who Jacek Kulig dubbed a "phenomenal" player, also scored two goals in the FA Youth Cup, as well as bagging three goals and one assist in the EFL Trophy, taking his haul to 30 goals and six assists in all competitions last term.

As such, while the Championship is undoubtedly a step up from youth football, considering just impressive Delap has been for City's under-23s, we would not bet against him continuing his fine form should he indeed secure a loan move to a second-tier club this summer - be that West Brom or another interested party.

With doubts emerging over him moving to Stoke, this could be the Baggies' opportunity to pounce.

In other news: West Brom agree deal for £20k-p/w "leader" which will leave Ismael over the moon