Liverpool and Tottenham are reportedly both showing interest in Stevenage youngster Ben Wilmot, who is being watched by a number of Premier League clubs.
According to Daily Mail, Stevenage youngster Ben Wilmot is drawing interest from a host of Premier League clubs. Liverpool and Tottenham are among the number of clubs thought to be in the race for the centre-half, who has been impressing in his outings for the League Two outfit.
Ben Wilmot has emerged from the academy setup at Stevenage and while the centre-back is yet to make his debut in League Two, he has managed to break into the first-team with two games in the EFL Trophy, with a clean sheet in one of those games.
The 18-year-old is attracting attention of a host of English clubs, with reports that as many as 30 scouts attended Stevenage’s Checkatrade Trophy fixture against the Brighton Under-21 side to monitor the youngster’s display.
Wilmot is nearing his senior league debut as well, after finding himself on the bench for Stevenage’s league game against Coventry. His manager Darren Sarll has also praised the 18-year-old for his mature performances.
“He plays like a 30-year-old, he’s got a wonderful, mature outlook on the game,” he said.
Congratulations to first year scholar, Ben Wilmot on earning his first pro contract with the club! ? ? pic.twitter.com/Z7Af1bHl4G
— Stevenage FC (@StevenageFC) April 1, 2017
Wilmot’s contract situation though, is a bit complicated. The player signed his first professional deal this year – a deal that is set to expire at the end of the season – perhaps one of the many reasons for the widespread interest in the 18-year-old.
Liverpool and Tottenham are the two clubs thought to be leading the chase. Liverpool’s defensive worries are there for the entire world to see. The Reds have floundered leads several times and the 3-3 Champions League draw against Sevilla on Tuesday once again highlighted their need for quality reinforcements in the said role.
While Wilmot will not solve their problems, with the 18-year-old not expected to be thrust straight into the starting lineup at Anfield, if he does make the move, he could be a long-term solution for the Reds.
Tottenham’s recent success in bringing the youth forward and integrating them into the first-team setup on a consistent and continuous basis is unparalleled by any other English club.
Liverpool & Tottenham are reportedly weighing up moves for Stevenage defender Ben Wilmot. #StevenageFC pic.twitter.com/VkEBtiBi1P
— FL Transfers (@FL72Transfers__) November 23, 2017
Mauricio Pochettino & co. are always on the lookout for bright prospects to add to their fledgling squad. And either of Liverpool or Tottenham could aid his progress, with the clubs able to provide a higher quality of infrastructure compared to Stevenage.
First-team action though, is something that he is on the brink of at his present club and it is unlikely that the youngster will risk losing his soon-to-be acquired first-team status in favour of a move to the big leagues.
Wilmot is more than likely to take a decision on any move at the end of the season and Stevenage would hope to convince the centre-back to stay put with the promise of regular senior action.
