Liverpool are keen on signing Ben Brereton ahead of Manchester United, according to reports.
According to the Mirror, Liverpool are “determined” to beat the Red Devils to land the Nottingham Forest starlet who was in the news this weekend after scoring a dramatic stoppage time winner to give Forest a victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.
The goal was Brereton’s first for Nottingham Forest’s senior side and showcased the youngster’s composure and awareness. Brereton bided his time in the box and lashed in the ball with a fine volley after a header down from his teammate to score in the 93rd minute.
Brereton scored 15 goals in 20 games for Forest’s U23 side before being called up to the senior side and he is slowly starting to make an impact for the first team as well. He has featured in all 3 of Forest’s last three fixtures and the winner could cement his status as a first-team player.
Liverpool were rumoured to have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Brereton and the Mirror claim that they even had a bid of £2.5 million rejected by Forest in January. They claim that the Reds have singled out Brereton as one for the future and want him to join 17-year old talent Ben Woodburn on their books.
Manchester United were also reportedly considering a seven-figure bid for the 17-year old Englishman who has been attracting interest from Premier League clubs for some time now, however there has been no confirmation on whether or not the Red Devils actually placed a bid.
United are looking to reinvigorate their academy and have already made wholesale changes including letting go of veteran academy head of recruitment Derek Langley, and it is evident that Brereton perfectly fits the profile of youngsters they are trying to sign.
Brereton only signed a new contract in December and while Forest were clearly unwilling to let their prodigious talent leave in January – given that they rejected Liverpool’s bid – an increased bid from either Liverpool or United would definitely tempt them into selling.
Forest have shown in the past that they are willing to do business over their youngsters as long as they receive the right amount, after selling Oliver Burke to RB Leipzig in the summer. If Liverpool truly are serious about beating Manchester United to Brereton’s signature, they will need to step up their bid in the summer.