Stoke City are leading the race to secure the services of Fabian Delph. The midfielder doesn’t seem to have any future at the Etihad Stadium after being told by Pep Guardiola he is not in his plans.
There were loads of expectations when he arrived from Aston Villa back in 2015 but he has never been seen in that fluid form since leaving the Midlands. The central midfielder was supposed to be the man who would dictate the course of play from the midfield for the Sky Blues for a significant period of time.
The English International’s City career has been truncated by a number of injuries and he appeared in just five games in Pep Guardiola’s opening campaign in the Premier League.
City have slapped a price tag of £12m on the player but Stoke are reluctant to spend that much for a player who has been struggling to get fit for a string of matches at a go. The midfielder scored a screamer against Crystal Palace last season and moments like that show he still has it in him to perform.
City are looking for a permanent move for the player but Stoke are ready to take the player on a season long loan. His inconsistency in the last few seasons has been the main reason why the Potters are reluctant to take the player permanently.
Also, the club has to function on a tight budget so apparently it makes sense. The Potters recently brought in Darren Fletcher from West Bromwich Albion and Delph could be his suitable partner in the midfield.
Fletcher is more of a deep playmaker while Delph is a tireless box to box midfielder and after the disappointing last season, the 27-year-old is bracing for a fresh start.
Midfield stalwart Glenn Whelan has also moved to Championship side Aston Villa so Hughes would feel the need for a midfielder. West Bromwich Albion are also in the line as Tony Pulis has been searching for a potential replacement for Fletcher who left the club to join the Potters.
A permanent move is possible given the current situation but his valuation might be a problem. Stoke are looking to spend half of the quoted amount and are confident of roping in the player.
Giannelli Imbula is also likely to make an exit leaving Hughes with a midfield conundrum. Delph has to improve his fitness a lot and if he remains fit he could be one of the shining lights at the BET365 Stadium next season.
