Liverpool winger Ben Woodburn is set for a season-long loan deal at Championship side Sheffield United, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claim in their live transfer blog (Tuesday, 11:01) that the 18-year-old Wales international is on the verge of joining the Blades for the 2018/19 season.
The Mirror report that Woodburn had been linked with a move to Championship rivals Aston Villa, but the Blades look to have won the race after a last-minute swoop.
OPINION
It had looked like Woodburn was set to join Villa on year-long loan, but somehow the Blades have swooped in to sign the young Welsh wizard. Liverpool are known for being strict with their loans, including financial penalties should the loan club not give their loanee enough first-team minutes. That is likely to be the reason behind Sheffield’s late swoop for Woodburn. Villa, with the squad that they have, are unlikely to be able to guarantee the teenager enough minutes. Either move looks to be a good one for Woodburn, who needs to be getting as much first-team football as possible at this stage in his career. The youngster has long been touted as one of Liverpool’s best academy talents, but since his record-breaking goal against Leeds in 2016, the 18-year-old has failed to make much of an impact at Anfield. This year away will help him get that experience he likely needs to do that, and hopefully he returns to the club a better player next summer.
