Luca Stephenson has said that he would prefer a permanent move away from Liverpool this summer amid interest from Bolton Wanderers.
The Courier have previously revealed in April that the Trotters were interested in the 22-year-old, who has been on loan with Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, with a six-figure sum touted for his services.
Stephenson Hands Sides Encouragement
However, Steven Schumacher’s side will not have a free run at signing the former Barrow loanee, with the Old Firm pair of Celtic and Rangers also pursuing a potential deal, according to Football Insider.
Stephenson signed a new contract at Anfield last summer, but it is believed that he has just 12 months left on his contract, and when speaking to the Courier, the full back said he wants a permanent transfer in the upcoming window.
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“So, I think the biggest priority for me is that, in my next step, I find a permanent home. I’ve done three years on loan and have developed a lot. So, I think the next thing needs to be different.
“That could still be at Liverpool, depending on what they are thinking. It could be back up in Scotland or in England – I honestly don’t know the answer to that question. But I am keen to get something permanent.
“When I got back from Barrow, I didn’t really know what the game had for me. What did my football future look like? I was still trying to find clubs. I would speak to clubs myself and try to actively put myself in the shop window.
“It has flipped a little bit now, where people are coming to us (Stephenson and representatives) a lot more than what they used to.”
Retained List Decision Opens Up Space
Bolton Wanderers have admired Luca Stephenson for months now, and Steven Schumacher’s side have already taken steps towards making the 22-year-old a regular in the Trotters squad next season.
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A change in divisions, thanks to their success at Wembley against Stockport County, has forced the Lancashire club to make some tough decisions, and perhaps the hardest of them all was to release Jordi Osei-Tutu.
The 27-year-old has been a star and a popular figure at the club in his two seasons there, and while he may have been a lock-in for some to try and assist the club in their Championship endeavours, ultimately, Bolton have opted to part ways.
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That move leaves the club with just one senior player at right-back in Lewis Temple, who is yet to make a single appearance in white since his January move from Shelbourne.
With two strong loan spells at Dundee United under his belt, including qualification for Europe in his debut season with the Tangerines, Stephenson is now ready to make a leap somewhere else.
Playing in a more advanced role this campaign, the former Sunderland youth prospect has proven to be a serious attacking threat with five goals and as many assists to his name in 29 league appearances.
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Liverpool are unlikely to promote the 22-year-old to their senior ranks with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both competing for a first-team place and rumours linking Denzel Dumfries to Anfield.
Stephenson should now be pushing for a move away, and it could prove to be a showdown between Bolton and Rangers, who also need a long-term solution at right-back following James Tavernier’s exit.
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