Liverpool’s current fullback shortage could prompt the Premier League club to accelerate its pursuit of Ben Chilwell.
Liverpool is scouting Chilwell and considering whether to bid around £4 million ($6 million) to sign him from Leicester City, The Telegraph’s John Percy and The Mail’s Simon Jones reported Tuesday. Liverpool originally intended to pursue Chilwell next summer, but his development and the club’s immediate needs could prompt a transfer raid in January.
Chilwell, 19, is a highly rated left back and the current captain of England’s U-20 national team. He spent the first three months of this season with Leicester City but struggled to break into the Foxes’ lineup. He joined Championship (English second division) club Huddersfield Town in late November in order to play competitive games.
Chilwelell has impressed during the short spell at Huddersfield, starting seven games between Nov. 28 and Dec. 28, and Huddersfield manager David Wagner reportedly has sent Liverpool manager — and close friend — Jurgen Klopp rave reviews about him.
Leicester City is expected to recall Chilwell in January, following an injury to Jeffrey Schlupp.
Alberto Moreno is the only first-team left back on whom Jurgen Klopp can rely to play regular games. Brad Smith, 21, is Moreno’s deputy, but he has played just three games in his nascent Liverpool career.
Liverpool is not the only Premier League club interested in Chilwell. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham also are following him.
Leicester City reportedly rejected a £3.5 million ($5.2 million) bid from Arsenal last summer. The high-flying Foxes might be bracing themselves for another bid, this time from Liverpool, in the coming weeks.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@TeleFootball
