Millwall boss Gary Rowett: Manchester City striker Delap will be in big loan demand

Gary Rowett has not dismissed a link to young Manchester City striker Liam Delap.

Millwall, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough have all been mooted as possible destinations for England U18 international Delap, the son of Rory.

Delap senior was part of Rowett’s coaching staff at Stoke City.

“Rory is a good friend of mine and he worked with me,” the Lions boss told the South London Press. “I know the family really well.

“Liam Delap, quite simply, is the best young striker around at the moment and every single Championship club, I’m sure, would be interested in taking him.

“Of course we’d be interested. But, at the same time, I’m sure everyone would be interested in him.”

Delap joined City from Derby County’s academy in 2019 and scored on his senior debut in a 2-1 EFL Cup win over Bournemouth in September 2020. He scored 20 goals in 15 Premier League 2 matches.

Delap trained with City’s first-team squad last season, with Pep Guardiola confirming recently that would continue in the 2021-22 campaign.