Report: Liverpool Readying £20 Million Romelu Lukaku Bid, Tracking English Youngster Connor Wickham

by

Jan 10, 2011

Liverpool's new management and owner have asserted that a youth-based approach must be taken to get the club back on track.

Action may be about to reflect these words, as Liverpool is reportedly readying a £20 million bid for one of the world's most sought-after teenagers, Anderlecht's Romelu Lukaku, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The 6-foot-3 17-year-old has already been hailed "the new Drogba," and has been a full Belgian international since he was 16.

Lukaku, who has scored 19 times in 45 all appearances in 2009-10, is off to a slightly better pace in 2010-11, having netted 14 times in 31 appearances.

Just about every major club — Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Internazionale to name a few — has been linked to the phenom.

Liverpool, though, appear to be doing their best to land Lukaku, with Damien Commoli having contacted the club and with the £20 million reportedly impending.

The Belgian youngster isn't the only teen prospect on Liverpool's radar, however. In fact, he's not even the only Belgian. 19-year-old Eden Hazard was also a potential target, but his recent injury has prevented him from making a January move.

Commoli also reportedly sent scouts to watch Ipswitch Town striker Connor Wickham, according to FootballTransferTavern.

The 17-year-old Englishman is considered one of the nation's top young players, and Arsenal and Tottenham have also said to be interested. Former manager Roy Keane was said to have made Wickham untouchable, but now that he is no longer with the club, all bets are off.

Wickham has been valued by some at £10 Million, but his actual price may be considerably lower. After scoring three goals in four matches last April, he has yet to find the back of the net in 16 appearances this year.

Still, Wickham's finishing ability is undeniable, and Sir Alex Ferguson has also been tracking him.

See Lukaku's and Wickham's highlights below.

Lukaku:

Wickham:

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