Liverpool will not let Ben Woodburn join Hannover as they want him to stay in the UK – should Aston Villa and Leeds make their move?
The Reds are yet to send the 17-year-old out on loan and if they do, they would prefer that it wasn’t abroad so that they can keep a close eye on his progress.
Ben Woodburn celebrates scoring their Liverpool’s second goal against Athletic Club.
It seems that the same doesn’t apply to Kent, who is three years older and has already had loan spells at Coventry City and Barnsley in the past, which could come as a blow to Aston Villa and Leeds – whom the Birmingham Mail reported were both interested in the 20-year-old.
Yet would it make more sense for Villa and Leeds to take a closer look at Woodburn if the Merseyside club want the teenager to stay in the UK?
After all, despite not having as much general experience as Kent because of the age gap, he has already played eight more first team matches for Liverpool than his counterpart and was even included in Chris Coleman’s senior Wales squad earlier this year.
Woodburn also plays on either wing and is clearly highly rated by Jurgen Klopp, who played the youngster nine times last season; which included him becoming the Reds’ youngest ever scorer as he netted against Leeds in the FA Cup in November.
His age may be considered an issue, but with the Villans looking for a replacement for the injured Jack Grealish and the Whites also in the hunt for support out wide, perhaps they should take a risk on one of the most exciting prospects at Anfield currently.
Liverpool forward Ben Woodburn in action during the Premier League Asia Trophy.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
