Liam Delap set to be promoted into Man City's first team squad next season

Liam Delap will be promoted into Manchester City's first-team squad next season after Pep Guardiola hailed the teenager's progress as 'incredible'.

The 18-year-old striker, who is the son of former Republic of Ireland international and long throw specialist Rory Delap, made his senior debut for City earlier this season.

He was linked with a move to Real Madrid last week after scoring 20 goals in just 15 matches for City's under-23 team in the Premier League 2.

But Guardiola's promise of first-team involvement next season could well persuade Delap, who is contracted until 2023, to remain at the Etihad Stadium.

The City manager said: 'Liam is doing incredibly well - we are in touch with Enzo Maresca [City's Elite Development Squad manager] to see how the player are developing.

'Next season he will be with us, training with us every day.'

Delap scored on his City debut against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup back in September and subsequently made his Premier League debut against Leicester.

He also featured off the bench in City's FA Cup third round win over Birmingham City in January but has played predominantly for the under-23 side this season.

Guardiola has already involved Delap regularly in first-team training sessions and the youngster made his debut for England's under-18 team against Wales last week, getting on the scoresheet.

The City boss praised the forward's finishing after his debut goal in September.

'He's a different striker to what we have in terms of physicality,' said Guardiola.

'We see in training how good a finisher he is. Now he has to be calm and keep working.

'We are delighted with his performance - he played really well.'