Pep Guardiola says Ipswich player was 'fantastic' in 6-0 Manchester City win
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Pep Guardiola witnessed his Manchester City side return to their emphatic best at Ipswich on Sunday with a 6-0 win.
Goals from Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic, Erling Haaland – who has just signed a new contract – Jeremy Doku and James McAtee secured a resounding victory at Portman Road, a result which leaves the Tractor Boys in the Premier League relegation zone, but moves the Citizens up to fourth.
Very few Ipswich players covered themselves in glory – notably Ben Godfrey, who endured a seriously tough debut after arriving from Atalanta – but there was actually one who impressed Pep Guardiola in Liam Delap.
Pep Guardiola heaps praise on Liam Delap
The Spaniard spoke glowingly about the Ipswich No.19 after Manchester City thrashed the Tractor Boys.
Guardiola said: “Ipswich beat Chelsea at Portman Road, they won at Spurs away. They’re a good team. Liam Delap is a fantastic striker. Fantastic.”
It was the 54-year-old and Txiki Begiristain who actually oversaw the England U21 international’s sale to Ipswich back in July, with the Citizens striking a £20m agreement with the Tractor Boys.
Delap impressed McKenna after several impressive seasons on loan in the Championship, where he proved to be a real menace at Stoke, Preston and Hull.
Liam Delap is a wanted man as Manchester City consider triggering buyback clause
TBR Football understand Manchester City are considering bringing Delap back to the Etihad Stadium after he scored eight goals and provided two assists in 21 Premier League appearances so far this season.
It is understood the Citizens included a buyback clause in excess of £30m when agreeing to sell the 21-year-old to Ipswich last summer.
Chelsea also like Delap, so regardless of whether Ipswich stay in the Premier League or not, they could soon lose the Winchester-born striker.
If Manchester City do end up missing out on Delap, they still stand to benefit from any big-money move, having also inserted a 20% sell-on clause into the agreement with Ipswich.
