According to reports, Liverpool are nearing a move to bring Leeds United defender Sam Byram to Anfield.
The versatile defender—who is naturally a full-back, but can also operate in midfield—has shone for Leeds during a tricky period in the club’s history and has appeared for some time to be destined for life in a higher tier.
That time may come in January, with The Sun reporting that Liverpool have been scouting the player in recent fixures as rumours mount that the Reds are plotting a £5 million deal for the player.
The 22-year-old is understood to appeal to Jurgen Klopp—who replaced Brendan Rodgers in October—as the German manager looks to retain an English element to the squad.
During the 1990s, Liverpool’s squad was rife with homegrown talent, but with stalwarts Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard departing, the team is relatively light on English talent.
This is something that Byram, who was born in Thurrock, in Essex, would address, although it remains to be seen whether he has a realistic hope of unseating Nathaniel Clyne for the right-back berth.
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Leeds coach Steve Evans admitted earlier this week that he would be prepared to cash in on Byram if the youngster fails to sign a new deal with the fallen giants of the English game [Sky Sports].