Report: Liverpool are about to make a decision on ‘proper goalscorer’

According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are about to make a decision on the future of Joe Hardy.

The Echo‘s report states that up to six players could leave Liverpool this January in search of first-team chances, including Yasser Larouci, Abdi Sharif, Sepp van den Berg, Caoimhin Kelleher, Liam Millar and Hardy.

In the latter’s case, the 22-year-old’s situation at Anfield is unique.

The Echo state that Liverpool do not tend to allow players of his age to remain in the Under-23 set-up, without making the jump into first-team training or being loaned out.

In that respect, the Echo then add that – because of this policy – a decision on what to do with Hardy is imminent.

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The former Manchester City man seems highly-rated by those who have worked with him on Merseyside.

Neil Critchley, Liverpool’s former Under-23 boss before he joined Blackpool, spoke glowingly of Hardy back in February after he netted twice against Sunderland.

The Liverpool Echo quote Critchley as saying: ‘Joe is a good finisher off both feet, as you saw against Sunderland. He is a proper goalscorer and is great for us.’

With Liverpool already out of the Carabao Cup, it feels unlikely that there will be many chances for Hardy in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team, especially with the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi ahead of him.

As a result, perhaps a loan move in January would serve the striker best.

In other news, 'What I can tell you': Manager says 29-year-old is not signing for Wolves today