Liverpool is set to beat Manchester United to the signing of Kaide Gordon.
The Derby County prodigy could be heading to Anfield after the Reds have submitted an offer worth an eventual £3 million, said the Telegraph.
Manchester United are also interesting in Gordon, but John Percy wrote on Twitter that it appears Liverpool have trumped United to the deal.
The 16-year-old will cost the Reds £1 million upfront, with a further £2 million due in add-ons further down the line. Gordon is an attacking midfielder, viewed as one of the best of his generation.
"Percy said: “To follow the report from colleague @mcgrathmike, #lfc are closing in on the signing of Kaide Gordon from #dcfc. Deal for Gordon, 16, is £1m+ guaranteed and could rise to £3m. Not signed yet but heading that way. An attacking midfielder, Gordon seen as one of the best at his age.”"
Liverpool is really ramping up their youth recruitment efforts. We’ve seen them conclude deals for goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek from Wroclaw, forward Mateusz Musialowski from SMS and attacking midfielder Melkamu Frauendorf from Hoffenheim.
15-year-old Birmingham City starlet Calum Scanlon has also been brought it, along with 16-year-old Stefan Bajcetic from Celta Vigo.
Derby is enjoying a mini golden generation as their Academy continues to develop outstanding youth prospects.
To follow the report from colleague @mcgrathmike, #lfc are closing in on the signing of Kaide Gordon from #dcfc. Deal for Gordon, 16, is £1m+ guaranteed and could rise to £3m. Not signed yet but heading that way. An attacking midfielder, Gordon seen as one of the best at his age
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) January 24, 2021
Their first team is stacked with homegrown talent. 19-year-old Jason Knight has played more minutes than anybody this season, left-back Lee Buchanon, who is the same age, has made 21 appearances, 20-year-old Max Bird has 16, 19-year-old Louie Sibley has 18 while 20-year-old Morgan Whittaker has 11.
That’s five players between the ages of 18 and 20 making important contributions to the club at Championship level. Derby is well-stocked for the future and will make a healthy profit from selling these players on when the time is right.
Kaide Gordon could be someone they lose before he even takes those first steps into senior football, but that price for a 16-year-old shouldn’t be sniffed at.
Liverpool is taking a decent gamble that Gordon will eventually make at as an elite player. Even if he doesn’t make Klopp’s first team, the aim will be to sell the player for a profit.