Manchester City are allegedly braced for Real Madrid to make an attempt to sign teenage sensation Liam Delap, with the Daily Star reporting the Spanish giants are considering making a move for the 18-year-old.
Delap has enjoyed a meteoric rise through City's youth ranks since joining from Derby County two years ago, and his style and goalscoring exploits have earned him comparisons to the prolific Erling Haaland.
The youngster has an outstanding 20 goals in 15 appearances for City in Premier League 2 this campaign and Delap was handed his first-team debut by Pep Guardiola in September.
It's not hard to see why Delap is viewed as one of the brightest prospects at City, and Madrid's scouts have also reportedly been impressed by his form, although his current deal at the club doesn't expire until 2023.
While Los Blancos have reportedly made contact with his representatives to declare an interest, It's worth noting that Delap moving away from the Etihad is highly unlikely as he is held in extremely high regard by the Blues.
Regarding any potential incomings, City are interested in Sporting Lisbon's Nuno Mendes, according to reports in Portugal.
Mendes is attracting interest from an array of European clubs, although it's believed the £60m release clause in his newly agreed contract would have to be triggered to make the Portuguese club sanction an exit.
The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season with Sporting Lisbon, making 23 appearances in all competitions.
However, with uncertainty over Sergio Aguero's future, City are prioritising a move for a striker this summer, and such an expensive move for a left-back could empty their war chest for any potential centre-forward that could arrive at the Etihad.
City have been linked with Haaland and Romelu Lukaku in recent weeks, and a move for either player won't come cheaply.
