Stoke City boss Michael O'Neill has confirmed interest in Manchester City striker Liam Delap.

But the former Northern Ireland manager said they do not know whether Delap will even be available.

O'Neill said: “We obviously know about Liam's situation with Rory (Delap, father) being part of our coaching staff but what people have to remember is that it won't be our decision, it will be his parent club's decision and what they feel will be the right pathway for Liam.

“To think that we're in any way advantaged because Rory is at the club won't be the case. They will have a pathway for Liam which might mean they decide to keep him as part of their squad at this minute in time.

“He's like a lot of young players who are around Premier League squads – particularly around bigger clubs – you have to be patient and they may or may not become available."

“If the opportunity came for us to try to do something of course we'd be interested in trying to do that, as we would be with a number of other young players at the top end of the game at Liverpool, Arsenal… all of these clubs.

“Not all of these young players are going to come and do exceptionally well in their first loan but certainly in this case we would be interested if the opportunity arose."