Sources: Liverpool reach agreement over 7-figure signing after breakthrough in talks
Liverpool have reached an agreement in principle to sign Derby County teenager Kaide Gordon after a breakthrough in talks, Football Insider understands.
The Merseysiders have agreed to pay £1million rising to a potential £3m for the attacking midfielder, 16, after Derby knocked back their initial offer.
A Liverpool source has told Football Insider that the terms of the deal have been agreed and it should be completed in the next 48 hours.
The capture would be a major coup for the Premier League champions as Gordon is regarded as one of the best players in his age group in the country.
He cannot sign professional terms with Liverpool until he turns 17, but will join on an initial scholarship deal that will be converted into a pro contract on his next birthday.
The potential £3m fee is a considerable one for cash-strapped Derby, who are looking to sell some of their best youngsters this month to help the balance the books amid continued uncertainty regarding their prospective takeover.
Gordon is an England youth international who was named Derby's academy player of the season following his exploits last term.
He made his senior debut for the Rams as a substitute in the 4-0 win against Birmingham at the end of December.
That made him the fourth youngest player in Derby's history.
Since that time, the teenager has been named in the last three matchday squads for Championship games and been an unused substitute on each occasion.
Gordon is in line to become the third Liverpool starlet signing in a matter of just weeks.
The Merseysiders signed Calum Scanlon from Birmingham City last month before adding Stefan Bajcetic from Celta Vigo.