Liverpool winger Ben Doak is a transfer target for Merseyside rivals Everton this summer, and Reds manager Arne Slot has previously given the player his blessing to leave
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Ben Doak of Liverpool showing his appreciation to the fans at the end of the pre-season match between Manchester United and Liverpool
Arne Slot gave Ben Doak his backing to join Middlesbrough on loan before Everton's interest became apparent
Liverpool boss Arne Slot gave Ben Doak the go-ahead to finalise his loan deal to Middlesbrough before Everton showed interest in the prodigy. Transfers between the Merseyside rivals are rare, however, with the more recent first-team move being Abel Xavier after he moved to Anfield in 2002.
Winger Doak, 19, made a positive impact in the first half of the season, scoring three goals and providing seven assists for Boro before an injury in January cut his season short. However, it was revealed last month on The Athletic's Walk On podcast that he is unlikely to get significant playing time next season after returning to Anfield.
It's believed that with club icon Mohamed Salah already in position and Jeremie Frimpong bolstering the right flank, Doak has no clear route into the team. It may be decided that another loan spell is best for both parties, though Doak could also be used to raise some valuable funds.
Liverpool are believed to only be considering permanent offers for their starlet. And Sky Sports has now reported rivals Everton are interested in signing the Scotland international, which would be highly controversial.
Previous reports suggested the teenager is a top target for David Moyes, despite it being extremely rare for a player to move directly between the clubs. However, The Telegraph reported two weeks ago that Liverpool's £30million asking price could be a hurdle for the Toffees.
Jack Harrison has returned to parent club Leeds following his loans at Goodison Park over the last two seasons. And he remain at Elland Road next term following Leeds' promotion back to the Premier League.
Middlesbrough's Ben Doak celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough
The Scotland international impressed on loan under Michael Carrick last term
Doak's promising start to his career has caught the eye of several top-flight teams, with Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town reportedly seeing bids rejected in January. Middlesbrough were so taken by Doak's performances at Riverside Stadium this term that they were keen on securing him for another loan spell this summer.
The youngster himself shared how Reds manager Slot played a pivotal role in his decision to head to the North East. And the Dutchman endorsed the club as the perfect place for him to gain crucial playing time.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Doak said: "I had a few clubs with eyes on me. The club helped me pick as well, and I watched a few Boro games, and I knew a few of the lads here.
"I didn't think there was a much better place than the Boro, especially to be honest, the amount they have the ball on the right-hand side and the team just naturally caters to my game.
Ben Doak of Liverpool reacts during the Bristol Street Motors Trophy match between Bradford City and Liverpool U21 at University of Bradford Stadium
Doak, 19, joined the Reds from Celtic in 2022(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
"The club [Liverpool] helps you narrow it down, then you speak to the gaffers, and then just pick the team that takes your fancy and Arne Slot obviously approved of the choice. He said Michael's [Carrick] team plays really good football, he's got the team playing really well."
Having joined Liverpool from Celtic in 2022 when he was just 16, Doak quickly showed he was one to watch. His standout performances in the academy level led Jurgen Klopp to give him his first-team debut in November 2022, and he made four starts in the 2023/24 campaign before knee surgery cut short that campaign too.
Despite that setback, his temporary term in the northeast suggested the player has lost none of his efficacy. However, the idea of selling to nemeses Everton may not go down well with many among the Liverpool fanbase.