Liverpool are reportedly set to beat arch-rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Derby County starlet Kaide Gordon.
According to a report from The Telegraph, Premier League champions Liverpool are on the verge of completing the signing of teenage prodigy Kaide Gordon from EFL Championship outfit Derby County. The 16-year-old had also been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
A product of the Derby County youth setup, Gordon has made rapid strides over the past year. Having been named the Rams’ Academy Player of the Year for the last season, the 16-year-old attacking midfielder, who can play on the wings as well, broke into the first-team this season, making his debut in the 4-0 win against Birmingham City in December last year.
That, however, remains his only appearance for Wayne Rooney’s side. But, Gordon has made six appearances for Derby County’s U-18 side this season, scoring three goals and setting up two more. The teenager has also represented the England national team at the U-16 level and is regarded as one of the finest players in his position for his age group.
Derby County are going through a difficult phase financially and as a result, are looking to generate some cash flow by offloading some of the younger players, including Gordon, which piqued the interest of both Manchester United and Liverpool. Tottenham, too, had shown an interest in signing the 16-year-old youngster.
However, it seems like Liverpool have beaten off the competition to complete the signing of the teenager, who is yet to sign a professional contract with Derby and will be available for a compensation fee. It is claimed that the Championship club will demand a transfer fee of £1 million plus add-ons, taking the entire worth of the deal to £3 million.
While a deal is yet to be agreed with the Premier League champions, Derby County expect talks to continue over the next couple of days before the transfer is finalised.
Of late, Liverpool have been focusing on strengthening their youth ranks, having made a number of exciting additions like Callum Scanlon and Stefan Bajcetic, who was also a target for Manchester United. And, it now seems that Gordon will be the next in line to move to the reigning Premier League champions.
