A source has exclusively told our sister-site Read Celtic that the Scottish champions have made an approach to take Liverpool defender Ki-Jana Hoever on loan,

The Reds are yet to decide if they will allow the 18-year-old versatile defender to leave for the season or if they will keep him with the club to continue his development.

Hoever, who has represented the Netherlands at all youth levels up to Under-18sm can play either right-back or at the heart of the defence, and has been seen in cup competitions for the Reds, scoring his only goal in a Carabao Cup win against MK Dons last season.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon is looking to sure up his defensive options after a less than convincing start to their 2020/21 campaign. The nine times consecutive Scottish Premiership champions were unceremonially dumped out of the Champions League qualifiers last night by Hungarian side Fevencvaros.

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Held in high regard by the Liverpool academy staff, Hoever has developed well since his arrival in 2018 from Ajax.

It is likely Hoever will be part of the Liverpool squad for this weekend’s Community Shield clash with Arsenal at Wembley, following which, a final decision will be made about his short-term future.

Whilst it is unlikely he will see much first-team action with both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Neco Williams ahead of him, the club may decide his development is best served by him staying with the group.