Liverpool deliver emphatic response to forward approaches, two PL rivals in pursuit – report
By Danny Wright
Liverpool have emphatically turned down a number of approaches for forward Sheyi Ojo, according to a report.
The Liverpool Echo claims that two of the Reds’ Premier League rivals Newcastle and Burnley have both “registered their interest” in the 20-year-old, as well as Middlesbrough, who are preparing for life back in the Championship.
It is understood that manager Jurgen Klopp wants to see Ojo in action during pre-season training and friendly fixtures before making a decision on his immediate future.
The report claims that Liverpool will only think about letting the former MK Dons star leave Anfield on temporary terms towards the end of the summer transfer window.
Ojo only managed to make two first-team appearances for the Reds last season, which came in both FA Cup clashes with Plymouth in the third round of the competition.
The five-times England Under-20 international, who has recently lifted the Under-20 World Cup with the Young Lions, had his progress hampered by a stress fracture in his lower back, which also limited his game time in Liverpool’s Under-23 side.
Ojo, who can play on either wing or as a striker, has made a total of 13 senior appearances for the Merseyside club, scoring one goal.
Football Insider Verdict
This is a very clever approach from Klopp, who has a great knowledge of developing younger players. Ojo hasn’t shown it just yet, but he does have the potential to be a first-team player at Anfield in the future, and a loan to a Premier League side would do wonders for his progression. But Liverpool’s patient approach means that Klopp will have time to nurture Ojo to full fitness and assess whether or not he would suit top-flight or Championship football for the upcoming season. The 20-year-old has had loan spells with Wigan and Wolves in the past, so maybe some game time with a big side like Newcastle is what he needs.
In other Liverpool news, Klopp is ready to break the club’s transfer record for the second time this summer.
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