Liverpool run the rule over Scottish starlet wanted by Manchester duo
Reports in Scotland claim Liverpool have taken Hibernian teenager Ethan Laidlaw on trial this week in a bid to steal a march on their rivals.
The 16-year-old has caught the eye playing in the Hibs youth teams and has yet to make his senior debut. A number of clubs have been alerted to the striker’s talents, with Leeds United already taking him on trial. And Manchester United recently showed their hand, expressing a wish to check out the youngster at close quarters.
Despite having had little exposure, Manchester City and Chelsea are also keen, according to The Herald. It could be a busy summer for the player, with big decisions to be made over his future.
The Daily Record state that he is set to arrive at Anfield this week to show what he can do. Then it will be back up to Edinburgh for a bit of soul searching.
Laidlaw is a Hibs fan and so it would be a wrench to leave his boyhood club. Hibs do not want to sell the starlet, who penned his first professional deal earlier this season.
But the lure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe will be tough to resist. The extent of City’s interest is not known but the route to the Etihad first team would be tough.
Laidlaw buzz grows as pundit feels Salah should go
Laidlaw is clearly one for the future but Mohamed Salah is very much the present. Second to Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot, the Egypt international bagged 22 top-flight goals for the Reds this term.
There have been rumours that all is not well in the camp regarding the 28-year-old. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have been linked.
And former Liverpool goalkeeper David James feels the Merseysiders would be stronger if he departed.
“In my eyes, he might be second in the Golden Boot running, but I think Liverpool actually play better without Salah,” he told Stadium Astro. “The opportunity for Liverpool to maybe cash in on Salah. Jota then naturally fits into that front three, Firmino gets more freedom arguably.
“Then Liverpool have a new dynamic up front rather than what seems to be a reliance, or has been a reliance, on Salah’s goals.”
Salah has been with Liverpool for four seasons and scored 125 goals from 203 appearances in all competitions.
READ MORE: Liverpool make big defender decision, as Prem rivals register interest in Kabak
The post Liverpool run the rule over Scottish starlet wanted by Manchester duo appeared first on TEAMtalk.