Liverpool set asking price as Leeds battle three Prem clubs for starlet
Liverpool have set a £20m asking price for academy graduate Harry Wilson, claims a report, as four Premier League sides battle for his signature.
Wilson impressed on loan at Bournemouth in 2019-20, despite the Cherries suffering relegation. The attacking midfielder scored seven goals from 31 league appearances – 20 of which were starts.
Wilson remains under contract at Anfield until 2023. However, the Wales international is at a stage of his career where he needs first team opportunities. He is unlikely to get them at Liverpool.
However, the 23-year-old has shown he is capable of staying in the Premier League. And according to the Mirror, he has four suitors in the top flight.
Newly promoted Leeds United are already understood to be one of the interested parties. Marcelo Bielsa wants to strengthen his squad ahead of their long-awaited return to the top flight.
However, news recently emerged that Leeds will face competition from Southampton for Wilson. The Saints could keep the left-footed player on the South Coast after his stint at Bournemouth.
And the Mirror add that Crystal Palace and Newcastle are also in the hunt for Wilson. But of the quartet, Leeds are in front of the competition. And their newly regained Premier League status makes them a more attractive proposition for Wilson than when they tried to sign him before.
Due to the intense competition for his signature, Liverpool know they could spark a bidding war for the midfielder. And that leads the Mirror to report that the champions are holding out for around £20m.
That would be a high fee for a player who has never started for their first team. But Wilson has shown what he is capable of elsewhere, and so Liverpool think it is a fair price.
The length of time left on his contract also strengthens their negotiating position. However, recent reports did warn that many clubs may not be able to afford their demands.
If Liverpool can get the price they want for Wilson, though, it would help them raise funds for transfer targets.
The Reds are close to completing a deal for Olympiacos left-back Kostas Tsimikas. But even though Jurgen Klopp does not need to change too much of his squad, they may make more additions later in the window.
READ MORE: TEAMtalk has gained exclusive insight into how the deal for Liverpool to sign Kostas Tsimikas was struck.
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