MLS outfit Toronto FC would be interested in striking a permanent deal for Liverpool defender Tony Gallacher, head of scouting operations Jack Dodd has told the Liverpool Echo.
Unfortunately for the 21-year-old left-back, he has a Champions League-winning compatriot to overcome if he wants to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans.
Gallacher is highly rated behind the scenes at Anfield. But, despite the ongoing struggles of summer signing Kostas Tsimikas, Andy Robertson’s status as Liverpool’s first choice remains as safe as houses.
So, with just one Reds appearance under his belt, a man who turns 22 in July may forced to consider his future during the summer transfer window.
Gallacher impressed during a ten-game loan spell at Toronto FC last year and, finances permitting, a return to Canada is certainly an option.
“Tony is a player we will continue to watch, yeah,” says Dodd, who once worked as a talent-spotter in Liverpool’s academy.
Toronto’s head of scouting operations does admit, however, financial restrictions in the MLS would represent a tricky obstacle.
“The salary cap doesn’t always make it so easy to say: ‘Hey, we want to go and sign this guy!’ and then we go and sign him. It’s quite a balancing act.
“But, if the stars align, he’s definitely someone we’re going to keep our eye on for something more permanent in the future.
“Tony did well (during his loan spell). He was reliable defensively, got forward at times, and there was one game we won from a world-class cross he put in for our striker to finish.
“Everyone at the club loved him.”
According to Dodd, Toronto expressed an interest in another Liverpool youngster, Adam Lewis, before learning of Gallacher’s availability.
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