Pep Guardiola weighing up re-signing ex-Manchester City attacker just months after leaving: Reports

Pep Guardiola is reportedly monitoring Ipswich Town's Liam Delap despite Manchester City selling the in-form former forward in the summer. The reigning champions are considering bolstering their squad amid a worrying period at the Etihad.

Football Insider reports Delap is on City's radar just four months after joining Ipswich in a £20 million deal. He's been a massive hit at Portman Road, bagging six goals in 12 Premier League games.

Manchester City is believed to have included a buy-back clause in the deal for the England U21 international. The club also has a sell-on clause if the Tractor Boys make a future sale.

A move for Delap doesn't appear imminent, but City are weighing the pros of re-signing him when the clause becomes active. He'd be able to act as a backup option to Erling Haaland, Guardiola's only recognized striker.

Julian Alvarez departed for Atletico Madrid in the summer in an £81 million deal. The Sky Blues have yet to bring in a direct replacement, and the Argentine attacker's sale came a month after Delap's.

Delap is following Cole Palmer in two of the Cityzens' transfer mistakes in recent years. This season, the English pair are two of the Premier League's best-attacking talents.

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Danny Murphy reckons ex-Manchester City star Liam Delap is Harry Kane's England heir

Liam Delap in action for Ipswich (Image - Getty)

Delap has yet to earn a cap at senior level of international football but is a prominent member of England U21s team. He's made 10 appearances since debuting in September 2023, scoring two goals and providing as many assists.

Danny Murphy is a massive fan of Delap and thinks he has the potential to be Harry Kane's long-term successor for the Three Lions. He told BBC Match of the Day:

"I've seen him a bit quite a lot this season and I'd probably go as far as I say, for me, he the obvious long-term successor to Kane. I think he's the best young English striker out there."

Delap has traits similar to Kane, including a battering ram physique he uses to give defenders issues. Murphy does think the former Manchester City man has a way to go but has the attributes to excel internationally:

"I know he's got a bit to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league. But he's got all the attributes to be a top international player."

Guardiola hailed Delap as a 'typical British striker' with 'special quality' in 2022, per Manchester City's official website. Given Alvarez's departure weeks later, he might be kicking himself at green-lighting Delap's exit.