Southampton fail with bid for Manchester City forward Liam Delap?

Head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl has been given the freedom to make widespread changes to his Saints squad this summer after a disappointing 2021-22.

Young Bordeaux forward Sekou Mara is on the brink of completing a switch to St Mary's, providing further competition in the final third.

However, with Armando Broja having returned to Chelsea and Adam Armstrong potentially going out on loan, Hasenhuttl remains keen to add further attack-minded players to his squad.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Southampton have been rebuffed in their efforts to sign City prospect Delap.

The 19-year-old has endured a frustrating 12 months at the Etihad Stadium with injury preventing him from gaining regular senior football last season.

Rather than spending a year in the Championship, Delay received 26 minutes of first-team action, with 10 appearances coming in Premier League 2.

However, both Delap and Pep Guardiola are in agreement that a step up is required for 2022-23, whether that be through a permanent or temporary exit.

As it stands, City are rejecting the opportunity to cash in on the England Under-19 international, allegedly turning down an offer in the region of £16m.

Southampton may return with an improved proposal in due course, and the two clubs have been in constant dialogue throughout the summer.

The Premier League champions have already allowed Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia to make permanent moves to the South coast.

Delap was provided with the final 19 minutes in City's pre-season friendly with Club America earlier this week, replacing new arrival Julian Alvarez who is now ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, a departure in some form is likely to occur over the next five weeks, with a temporary switch to a Premier League or Championship club not out of the question.