The Liverpool talent is said to have wanted a move to Sunderland.
Sunderland’s hopes of signing Ben Woodburn appear to be over, with Liverpool refusing to sanction the forward’s exit according to the Sun.
The report claims Woodburn was keen to join Sunderland on loan in search of first team football.
And a temporary move to the Stadium of Light would have seen the 18-year-old reunited with Chris Coleman, the manager who gave him his international debut for Wales late last year.
But according to the Sun, Liverpool are ‘concerned they would be left short of numbers in attacking areas’ if Woodburn is allowed to leave Anfield.
The Reds have already seen Philippe Coutinho depart this window, while Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge are both said to be attracting interest.
Sunderland are desperate to strengthen their attacking options, having sold James Vaughan to Wigan Athletic and seen Lewis Grabban – their 12-goal top scorer – return to parent club AFC Bournemouth.
It leaves Coleman, whose side are rock bottom of the Championship, with youngsters Josh Maja and Joel Asoro as his only options up front.
Where should Sunderland look if they cannot land Woodburn from Liverpool?
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