Pep Guardiola’s side could also prevent there from even being a race to sign Delap as they also negotiated a buy-back clause in the deal which would see Ipswich make a healthy profit nonetheless. City are said to be monitoring the situation closely.
The reigning Premier League champions currently only have Erling Haaland as their natural striker option after allowing Julian Alvarez to join Atletico Madrid over the summer. City assessed several replacement options before signing Ilkay Gundogan and ruling that the German international, along with several other midfielders, are capable of playing as a makeshift striker if Haaland is rested or sidelined with injury.
However, with Delap already thriving, they could quickly change their tune and bring him back to the Etihad Stadium if they desire, much to the frustration of Spurs.