Liverpool youngster Sheyi Ojo is eyeing first-team opportunities in the new season despite being linked with Aston Villa.
Ojo, who has featured 13 times for the Reds since 2015, was sent out on loan last term to Fulham, where he made a total of 24 appearances, and he could have made more had it not been for injury.
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The 21-year-old did impress in spells though, aiding the Cottagers in their successful promotion back to the Premier League, and now Ojo is targeting more chances to shine at Liverpool.
As quoted by the club’s official website, he said: “I’ve been working really hard during the break and I’ve been really excited about getting back to Liverpool and hopefully showing what I can do.
“I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been and I feel like I’m as strong mentally as I’ve ever been, so I’m really excited about what’s to come this season.
“The main focus is to get fit, to get back into my rhythm and enjoy being back at Liverpool and hopefully do well in training and games.”
Ojo, who was recently reported as being a transfer target of Aston Villa by Goal, will be determined to impress as Liverpool get ready to participate in no less than nine friendly matches throughout their pre-season.
Klopp has not yet said whether he sees Ojo fitting into his plans for 2018/19. That will be down to the player to prove himself over the next few weeks, but it could come as a blow to Villa, who need a replacement for Robert Snodgrass after the Scot returned to parent club West Ham.
The England U20 World Cup winner possesses electric pace and can be dangerous from either flank, while also possessing an air of creativity in the final third. But he will really have to up his game in pre-season if he wants to challenge Mo Salah and Sadio Mane for a place in the starting XI next term.
Should Ojo not be afforded the chance to shine by Klopp next season and he is placed on the loan or even transfer list, then Villa should certainly test the water.
His stint at Fulham means that he has Championship experience under his belt, and his signing could provide the Villa with more of a cutting edge in the final third.
A willing runner to help out defensively, it could well be a smart move for club and player if Klopp feels he is not quite ready for the top level.
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