Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the progress of teenage Wigan Athletic striker Joe Gelhardt, according to Goal.
The outlet claims that Jurgen Klopp’s side are interested in swooping for the Scouse-born forward, but face stiff competition from Merseyside rivals Everton.
ESPN reported that the Reds were preparing to move for Gelhardt last summer, but he ultimately remained with the Latics. The 17-year-old is contracted to the Championship side until 2021.
Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City are all also monitoring the youngster, but Bobby Duncan’s departure has created a vacancy within Liverpool’s Under-23s squad.
OPINION
It certainly seems as if Gelhardt has been on Liverpool’s radar for quite some time, and why not? Clearly he is a bright young talent who is already making waves at Championship level. Paul Cook is bringing him along gradually at the DW Stadium, but he will also be aware that he won’t be able to hold onto him forever. With the player being a Scouser originally, it would be a big surprise if he didn’t one day end up at either Everton or Liverpool – although that’s no guarantee that he will. After Duncan’s departure on Monday, there is a spot open in the Reds’ Under-23s side for someone exactly like Gelhardt, because there’s no way he would be brought in to contend for a first team spot at this moment in time. However, having someone like him alongside Rhian Brewster and Paul Glatzel could only be a good thing for the young Reds.
