Liam Delap signs new long-term Man City contract

Manchester City have confirmed that young striker Liam Delap has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

One of the hottest prospects in English football, Delap terrorised youth football last season to the tune of 24 goals in 20 appearances, and he was rewarded with three appearances for Pep Guardiola's senior side.

Having entered the last two years of his contract, City were keen to tie up Delap's future soon before any rumours started to circulate, and the club took to their official website to confirm that the teenager has committed to the club until 2026.

“It’s obviously a massive achievement for me,” he said. “I am so happy. I have been here now for two years and every day I have loved it. I have just loved the place and all the people. I can’t wait to do even more.

“I’ve got everything here. I’ve just fallen into place here and that’s why I’ve committed my future here.

“There is always someone there to support you. They make you feel so welcome and you get the best coaching and the best players playing with you so it improves your game.”

With his long-term future now sorted, City will be able to focus on what the immediate future holds for Delap.

The 18-year-old had been expected to head off on loan earlier this summer, with Stoke City among the sides chasing his signature - but there have been suggestions that Delap could remain with Guardiola's first team and help out up front.

Under-23 coach Brian Barry-Murphy recently suggested that Delap could take up that very role, telling the Manchester Evening News: "Obviously his progress is there for all to see and I presume he’s very much part of the first-team plans and that’s how he progresses in the future."