SAINTS did not hit with enough of their transfers during their disastrous last Premier League season but two looked certain to be good buys.

Man City reportedly accept £20million bids for Liam Delap

SAINTS have reportedly had a bid that could rise to £20million in value for striker Liam Delap accepted by Manchester City.

Fellow promotion rivals Ipswich Town have also had an offer accepted by the English champions and are said to be a more likely destination.

Winchester-born Delap, 21, looks set to depart Etihad Stadium this summer after back-to-back-to-back loan spells in the Championship.

Delap has spent time with Stoke City and Preston North End, as well as enjoying the last campaign at Hull City under Liam Rosenior.

The England youth international scored 12 goals in 68 Championship matches across his loans, after netting 32 in 32 Premier League 2 appearances.

Delap is a long-term target of Saints and the St Mary’s side had bids worth around £16million rejected for the forward in 2022.

BBC Sport report that Saints and Ipswich have both had offers worth up to £20million but that Delap looks set to join the Tractor Boys instead.

The Athletic detail that Southampton’s offer was an initial £15 million with a further £5million in add-ons but Delap himself has chosen Ipswich.

Saints are in the market for attacking reinforcements with striker Che Adams now out-of-contract and facing an uncertain future.

Russell Martin’s side have held interest in wingers such as Sunderland’s Jack Clarke this summer but are expected to move for a number nine.