Aston Villa’s highly-rated youngster Jaden Philogene who ‘surprised’ Unai Emery in pre-season is now linked with a transfer to Liverpool.
Liverpool have reportedly held talks with representatives of 21-year-old Aston Villa winger Jaden Philogene, who could be eyed as the latest talent on these shores to be snapped up by the Anfield recruitment team.
In recent years the Reds have made a point of signing top young prospects in English football, both Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho from Fulham and Kaide Gordon from Derby County perhaps the most notable examples.
Now the latest homegrown product Jurgen Klopp could be monitoring is Philogene of Villa, as per Anfield Watch. Their report claims that discussions have been held between Liverpool and the player’s agents. It is claimed that Philogene’s ability to operate on either wing is a key element in attracting interest.
The London-born attacker entered the Villa academy in January 2018, rising through the ranks over three years before eventually signing a new contract in 2021 to stave off reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. Two months later he would make a debut appearance in the Premier League as a substitute in a 2-1 victory over Tottenham.
Over the last 18 months, the Villans sent their prodigy out on loan to the Championship with game time the priority. He spent the last half of the 2021/22 campaign with Stoke City, utilised as a left winger in 11 appearances with one goal in return.
Following that was a year-long spell with Cardiff City last season, who provided more freedom in terms of positioning. Philogene played on both the right and left, further forward in attack or withdrawn as part of a midfield, finishing his time in Wales with 39 appearances in all competitions, boasting five goals and one assist.
His performances in the second tier seemingly earned suitors from across Europe, with RC Lens, Anderlecht and Union Berlin claimed to have kept tabs on him. Turkish club Fenerbache were even said to have gone one step further with their reported interest in Philogene, seeing a bid ‘turned down’ earlier this summer.
Instead of moving the player on, Unai Emery was keen to see what the England Under-20 international could offer with Leon Bailey granted extended summer break this pre-season, and by all accounts Philogene seized the opportunity by starting four of five Villa’s friendlies.
The Spanish manager described his winger as ‘the most positive surprise’ of the club’s recent tour of the USA, while stating a decision was to be made about his future. What impact rumoured Liverpool interest in Philogene has on the final verdict remains to be seen.
Read Next..Â
Liverpool transfer news as Romeo Lavia Race Opens and Reds Get Moises Caicedo UpdateÂ
Jurgen Klopp is still looking to make even bigger changes to his Liverpool squad with his side having their first game of the Premier League season just over a week away.
Liverpool must race against time to complete their summer business before the start of the new season against Chelsea on August 13.
Klopp made two early additions in midfield, and Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai featured in pre-season. However, with Jordan Henderson and Fabinho having completed their move to the Saudi Pro League, more reinforcements in the midfield may be needed.
That is not the only area of ​​concern for the Reds, who will be looking to improve their fifth place in the Premier League last season. Here are the latest transfer lines around Anfield.
Brighton expect to keep Caicedo
Liverpool and Chelsea target Moises Caicedo will stay at Brighton despite late interest from the Saudi Pro League. The Seagulls have turned down an £80m offer from Chelsea and are not believed to have received an offer for an extension.
Caicedo attracted interest in January, particularly from Arsenal. However, after Roberto De Zerbi’s side kept the Ecuador international, he signed a new, longer-term contract on the south coast.
Since then, Arsenal have turned their attention elsewhere, splashing out £105m on Declan Rice. This seems to have thwarted any hope that Liverpool and Chelsea could strike a deal, with time running out before the start of the Premier League season.
Find out more here
Man Utd not out of Lavia running
Manchester United are considering a return to the Romeo Lavia race, according to The Independent. Liverpool are still looking for the Belgian, who remains on Southampton’s list for the time being.
What should Liverpool do this summer? Have your say in the comments
The 2023 remake of the iconic LFC kit from the 1995/96 season features a digital effects treated round neck with green tones, described as spark green, poison green and pine green. It will be worn by the Red Devils on the road throughout the 2023/2024 campaign.
Prices start at £49.95 NIKE
Old Trafford’s interest may surprise some, given United’s continued pressure on Sofyan Amrabat. Moroccan star Amrabat, once a target for Liverpool, appears to be on the verge of a move to Old Trafford.
Those targeting 19-year-old Lavia will know that former club Manchester City have the option of a buy-back clause in 2024. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with the youngster, with his current club. after a fee of £50 million.
Oxlade-Chamberlain ‘considering’ Besiktas
Former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has considered interest from Besiktas, according to the BBC. The England international is still without a club after his contract expires at Anfield.
The former Southampton player is also said to be interested in the Saudi Pro League. If he moves to the Gulf nation, he will become the third Liverpool midfielder to do so in a matter of weeks following changes from Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.
Besiktas, whose members include former Premier League players Cenk Tosun and Romain Saiss, finished third in Türkiye last season. They reached the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, where they faced Azerbaijani Neftci.
