Could Woodburn to Sunderland hinder Liverpool starlet’s development?

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Could Liverpool’s Ben Woodburn being loaned to Sunderland potentially hinder, rather than help, the youngster’s development?

Chris Coleman gestures during a training session at the Stade de France stadium.

Chris Coleman is hoping to utilise his Wales connections in the January transfer window as the new Sunderland manager targets two players he gave senior international debuts to.

The Sunderland Echo reports that Liverpool duo Danny Ward and Ben Woodburn are on Coleman’s wishlist, with the 47-year-old hoping to sign the pair on loan with funds expected to be limited.

Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward in action during the international friendly match against Panama.

Ward appears to be a sensible choice having had Championship experience before when the goalkeeper played a key role in Huddersfield Town’s promotion in 2016/17.

Neither Robbin Ruiter or Jason Steele have impressed for the Black Cats following summer moves to the club and the 24-year-old could be the ideal alternative between the posts.

Woodburn is more of an interesting prospect, however, with the forward becoming the Reds’ youngest ever scorer when he netted against Leeds United in the FA Cup in November last year aged 17 years and 45 days.

Ben Woodburn of Wales celebrates scoring the winning goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Group D match against Austria.

The teenager is one of the most highly rated prospects at Anfield and upon turning 18 signed a long-term professional deal with the Merseysiders. Which is why a move to Wearside might be a concern for manager Jurgen Klopp.

Coleman’s new team are struggling in the Championship and are currently bottom, with there appearing to be problems throughout the club.

On the pitch performances have been poor and throwing such a young and raw talent into a difficult situation like this could actually hinder his development – something Mauricio Pochettino has worried about at Tottenham Hotspur, for example, preferring to keep his best youngsters at the club rather than risking them being loaned out at a lower level.