Liverpool are expected to lose prodigious young striker Vincent Joseph this summer and the 16-year-old could join rivals Man United in a frustrating exit.
Joseph is considered one of the standout talents in Liverpool’s younger age groups and made an instant impact on his promotion to the U18s last season.
Having only turned 16 in January, he scored just 10 minutes into his debut for Simon Wiles’ side in a 4-3 loss to Sunderland in March.
Three weeks later he scored a brace in a 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest to end the campaign with three goals in two games for the U18s along with a prolific run at U16s level.
But Liverpool are now faced with losing Joseph, who was not part of the 12-strong group announced for next season’s scholarship intake.
While terms were agreed with the likes of Josh Abe, Erik Farkas, Zak Coxon, Shadrach Ekiugbo and Charlie Huth, Joseph was not included.
That comes with approaches from a number of clubs ahead of an expected move this summer, with The Secret Scout reporting on X that Man United hold a “strong interest.”
Bayern Munich and Dortmund are both said to have scouted the youngster regularly, while This Is Anfield understands Chelsea were another possible destination.
Liverpool could still hope to agree terms with Joseph but the likelihood is that he will move on as other high-potential talents are targeted.
Man City midfielder Xavier Parker and Leicester attacker Darren Motsi are among those who could make the switch to the AXA Training Centre this summer.
Abe, 15, is due to be promoted to the U21s squad as well as being given further exposure at first-team level, while Coxon, 16, should offer another attacking option for the U18s next season.
Joseph scored eight goals in nine appearances for England U16s last term and is highly rated among staff in the national youth setup.