Liverpool close in on young Sunderland midfielder Luca Stephenson

Liverpool are in “advanced” talks to sign Sunderland midfielder Luca Stephenson, according to reports today.

Manager Jurgen Klopp is always keen to recruit and develop young players, and 15-year-old Stephenson (considered one of Sunderland’s top youth prospects) fits that bill.

It was initially reported that the Reds would have to pay around £500,000 compensation to the Wearside club for signing Stephenson, but new reports suggest that figure could be closer to a more reasonable £200,000.

READ: Fabinho making “big steps” towards Premier League debut

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool is substituted for Jordan Henderson of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United at Anfield on August 12, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

READ: Martin Keown impressed with Joe Gomez’s performance against Leicester

Comparisons have been drawn between Stephenson and former Sunderland star Jordan Henderson, who joined the Black Cats aged eight and rose through their ranks to become a starting player in the senior side. He moved to Liverpool in 2011 for £16million and became captain in 2015 following the departure of Steven Gerrard.

Stephenson would join Barry Lewtas’s under-18 squad should Liverpool and Sunderland agree a compensation fee for his services.

The Reds have invested significantly in this transfer window, bringing in Fabinho, Naby Keita, Alisson and Xherdan Shakiri, while allowing Loris Karius, Ragnar Klavan and Danny Ings to move on.

Klopp believes his squad is “good, but it needs to stay good” and remains eager to bolster Liverpool’s ranks with more talent, even if such talent is for the future, as in Stephenson’s case.

The post Liverpool close in on young Sunderland midfielder Luca Stephenson appeared first on AnfieldHQ.

Source: anfieldhq.com