Liverpool are keen on making a move to sign Wigan Athletic youngster Joe Gelhardt, according to Football Insider.
The Reds are among a host of clubs monitoring the forward’s progress, including Manchester United and Chelsea.
The scouting reports and analysis that Liverpool have done is described is ‘very positive’ in the report.
Gelhardt has been linked with the Reds in the past, but he has remained at Wigan for the time being.
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I think it is encouraging to see Liverpool being tipped to sign such a highly-rated English talent, with the club famed for nurturing homegrown youngsters.
The likes of Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all flourished after coming through the academy, and while Gelhardt would be coming in at an older age, he could still mature in Kirkby before potentially becoming a first-team player.
Gelhardt has already featured for Wigan’s senior side this season, scoring in his team’s 2-2 draw with Hull City back in September.
The 17-year-old has also netted 11 times for England in 25 appearances at various youth team levels, further highlighting his pedigree and potential.
The fact that Liverpool’s first-team and academy players will train alongside one another from next season onwards could sway Gelhardt’s thinking, in my opinion.
The impressive new training complex will open in the summer, allowing youngsters to play alongside likely Premier League champions.
I believe Liverpool could be the perfect club for any emerging player to hone his skills, at a time when young players and senior stars all adopt the same style, as shown by Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town, when a team made up of youngsters outplayed their League One opponents.
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