Liverpool FC have been linked with two more of Europe’s brightest prospects - and boss Rafa Benitez has challenged Anfield's youngsters to make an impact at the club.
Benitez also has to contend with continued speculation about the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, with strong rumours from Spain that Barcelona have lodged a £35million bid for the Argentina captain in the past 24 hours.
Liverpool FC declined to comment on that piece of speculation on Tuesday, but the Merseysiders are believed to be on the brink of confirming the addition of two more teenage stars to their ranks.
They have been linked with Danish 16-year-old Nikolaj Kohlert, from Esbjerg. The under-17 international had a trial at Anfield recently and is likely to sign a three-year contract.
Liverpool FC are also closing in on Paris St. Germain youngster Chris Mavinga on a similar three-year deal. The defender has already been capped by France at under-18 level.
Such acquisitions underline Benitez’s policy to search Europe for the best youngsters.
And as Liverpool approach their first warm-up game away to Swiss club St.Gallen on July 15, it is clear that Benitez will be running the rule over the club’s current crop of potential talent.
Spaniards Daniel Pacheco, Mikel San Jose and Daniel Ayala, Hungarian duo Krisztian Nemeth and Peter Gulacsi along with local defender Martin Kelly are training alongside Anfield’s senior players after the Reds returned to work at Melwood this week.
Benitez is urging the youngsters to make the most of their chance and stake a claim for first-team involvement next term.
It is a similar policy to last season when the likes of Jack Hobbs, David Ngog, Emiliano Insua, Stephen Darby, Damien Plessis and Jay Spearing were given opportunities in the early warm-up matches.
Benitez said: "We have already had conversations with the likes of Pacheco, Ayala and San Jose and we have told them that it depends on them.
"They are now training with the first-team squad and this is their chance to show what they can do ahead of the new season."
Benitez also has to contend with continued speculation about the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano, with strong rumours from Spain that Barcelona have lodged a £35million bid for the Argentina captain in the past 24 hours.
Liverpool FC declined to comment on that piece of speculation on Tuesday, but the Merseysiders are believed to be on the brink of confirming the addition of two more teenage stars to their ranks.
They have been linked with Danish 16-year-old Nikolaj Kohlert, from Esbjerg. The under-17 international had a trial at Anfield recently and is likely to sign a three-year contract.
Liverpool FC are also closing in on Paris St. Germain youngster Chris Mavinga on a similar three-year deal. The defender has already been capped by France at under-18 level.
Such acquisitions underline Benitez’s policy to search Europe for the best youngsters.
And as Liverpool approach their first warm-up game away to Swiss club St.Gallen on July 15, it is clear that Benitez will be running the rule over the club’s current crop of potential talent.
Spaniards Daniel Pacheco, Mikel San Jose and Daniel Ayala, Hungarian duo Krisztian Nemeth and Peter Gulacsi along with local defender Martin Kelly are training alongside Anfield’s senior players after the Reds returned to work at Melwood this week.
Benitez is urging the youngsters to make the most of their chance and stake a claim for first-team involvement next term.
It is a similar policy to last season when the likes of Jack Hobbs, David Ngog, Emiliano Insua, Stephen Darby, Damien Plessis and Jay Spearing were given opportunities in the early warm-up matches.
Benitez said: "We have already had conversations with the likes of Pacheco, Ayala and San Jose and we have told them that it depends on them.
"They are now training with the first-team squad and this is their chance to show what they can do ahead of the new season."
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