Liverpool are one of the clubs said to have made an offer for a youngster making waves in the Championship - but Chelsea or Manchester United could yet hijack the deal
Yisa Alao during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth.
Liverpool have made a move for Sheffield Wednesday's Yisa Alao but face a lot of competition for the teenager. (Image: Harriet Massey/Getty Images)
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Liverpool are in danger of losing out on a transfer for highly-rated Sheffield Wednesday left-back Yisa Alao, with Chelsea reportedly ready to make their move. The 17-year-old is making waves in the Championship with the crisis club and has caught the eye with recent performances.
The Daily Mail report that both Liverpool and Manchester United have already made offers to Sheffield Wednesday for the teenager. But they could now be joined in the race by Chelsea, who are said to be willing to gazump their rivals.
Alao has broken into the Wednesday first team this season, and has been offered his first professional contract. He is, however, stalling on putting pen to paper at Hillsborough, allowing clubs to make their move.
Liverpool’s offer is undisclosed, but Man United are reported to have offered around £400,000 plus substantial add-ons. But Chelsea are reportedly readying an offer of £600,000, plus substantial performance-related add-ons.
Alao’s decision over his future will be focused on the career pathway that the interested clubs can offer him. The teenager’s emergence at Wednesday has come at a time of uncertainty at the club.
The Owls fell into administration back in October and have been deducted a total of 18 points by the EFL. The financial situation also led to unpaid wages and the club having to turn to young players to be able to fulfil their Championship fixtures.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Barnsley on January 12, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Arne Slot could miss out on the youngster with Chelsea preparing a big offer(Image: Getty Images)
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A consortium led by James Bord has been selected as the preferred bidder as a takeover takes a step closer. The process in now awaiting final approval.
Wednesday currently sit at the bottom of the Championship table, with -7 points. Alao has been given a chance following the return of Harry Amass to Manchester United.
He started his first senior game in the FA Cup third round clash against Brentford earlier his month. He was then named in the starting XI for the Championship match against Portsmouth last weekend.
It's been a quiet transfer window for Liverpool so far, with the only new arrival being defender Mor Talla Ndiaye. The 18-year-old is set to join up with the club's U21 side as he continues his development.
Players including Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa have been linked with exits. So far the only departure is youngster James Norris, who joined Shelbourne on New Year's Day.
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