Liverpool reportedly battling Leeds to sign young defender after agreeing fee with club | OneFootball

Liverpool, Leeds and Brighton have all reportedly had bids accepted by Motherwell for defender Sam Campbell as they look to snap the youngster up this window.

According to PA journalist Nick Mashiter, the three Premier League clubs have all seen their offers accepted by the Scottish club and now look set to fight it out on personal terms to convince him to join their respective club.

Campbell is 16 and there is very little data on his performances at youth level available, which suggests that Liverpool have made the decision to go in for him based on scouting reports watching him in person. Although, he did play with Motherwell’s under-18 side at the age of 14, showing signs of promise.

READ: Liverpool reportedly eyeing up swoop for Borussia Dortmund forward

READ: Liverpool reportedly trying hard to convince defender to join the club

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

Due to the lack of information available on Campbell it is incredibly difficult to draw any conclusions on whether or not this could be a good deal for the club. However, it does show a willingness from Liverpool to continually add to their academy ranks and bring talented young players to the club.

If Liverpool can sign a young player for a small fee when they’re in their teens and then develop him into a first-team player, they could save themselves millions in the future. Take Trent Alexander-Arnold, for example, as Liverpool could have spent big money on signing a first-team right-back to start for them. Instead, Liverpool developed Alexander-Arnold in the academy and he could now be the club’s starting fullback for many years to come – saving Liverpool from needing to buy one in the transfer market.

It remains to be seen whether Campbell has the potential to come in and be a first-team player in the future, but the long-term planning from Liverpool is great to see. Hopefully, Liverpool can beat Leeds and Brighton to his signature and give him the platform to show what he is capable of at under-18 or under-23 level this season for the Reds.