Liverpool are monitoring the progress of Middlesbrough's midfield teenage prodigy Lee Cattermole.
Sportsmail understands that Anfield boss Rafa Benitez has instructed his scouts to take a look at the £5million-rated 19-year-old with a view to a summer swoop.
Benitez is believed to admire Cattermole's tough-tackling approach and, wary of the need for an even bigger squad next season when he will be able to name seven substitutes, the Spanish manager appears keen to add some young, British talent to his multi-national squad.
Talismanic captain Steven Gerrard, 27, has about five years left before his legs will bring an end to his box-to-box game and Cattermole could use that time to learn from - and eventually fill the boots of - the England star.
Teesside-born Cattermole is one of an increasing line of talented youngsters to emerge from Middlesbrough's impressive Academy system.
England head coach Fabio Capello this week called up Cattermole's Boro team-mates Stewart Downing, 23, and David Wheater, 21, to his second full England squad.
That news was reportedly greeted with much celebration at the Riverside but Liverpool's interest in one of their rising stars will surely provoke a less warm welcome on Teesside.
Cattermole made his Boro debut in the Tyne-Tees derby against Newcastle United on January 2, 2006, and has since made 60 appearances, scoring three goals. He has been capped twice by England Under 21s.
Sportsmail understands that Anfield boss Rafa Benitez has instructed his scouts to take a look at the £5million-rated 19-year-old with a view to a summer swoop.
Benitez is believed to admire Cattermole's tough-tackling approach and, wary of the need for an even bigger squad next season when he will be able to name seven substitutes, the Spanish manager appears keen to add some young, British talent to his multi-national squad.
Talismanic captain Steven Gerrard, 27, has about five years left before his legs will bring an end to his box-to-box game and Cattermole could use that time to learn from - and eventually fill the boots of - the England star.
Teesside-born Cattermole is one of an increasing line of talented youngsters to emerge from Middlesbrough's impressive Academy system.
England head coach Fabio Capello this week called up Cattermole's Boro team-mates Stewart Downing, 23, and David Wheater, 21, to his second full England squad.
That news was reportedly greeted with much celebration at the Riverside but Liverpool's interest in one of their rising stars will surely provoke a less warm welcome on Teesside.
Cattermole made his Boro debut in the Tyne-Tees derby against Newcastle United on January 2, 2006, and has since made 60 appearances, scoring three goals. He has been capped twice by England Under 21s.
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