Liverpool have won the race for Salford City’s teenage striker Will Wright ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Arsenal had agreed a £200,000 fee with Salford two weeks ago with a further £50,000 to follow across the season in achievable add-ons.
Talks had been progressing well with his representatives but Liverpool, who had led the initial race for the 17-year-old, came back in at the weekend and matched Arsenal’s offer.
Leeds United and Rangers also made late enquiries, as did Nottingham Forest, while City, though big admirers, have already committed sizeable funds to other youth signings.
Wright has now agreed terms on a three-year contract and headed to Liverpool for his medical on Tuesday.
Wright has been prolific at youth level and in pre-season. He has made four senior appearances since coming on as a substitute in the FA Cup defeat by Manchester City in January.
Salford’s academy has been growing in reputation, even more so over the past year with the return of Jamie Russell as academy manager, who was formerly with Everton and West Brom.
Apart from Wright, 18-year old forward Kyrell Malcolm and 15-year old Marshall Heys, who became the youngest player to appear for a professional side in the FA Cup on his first team debut last year, have drawn enquiries and offers from Premier League Burnley.
Archie Oldham, in the club’s U16s, is also attracting scouts from Premier League clubs while England are considering a call-up for Salford’s U15s hot-shot Golfred Boamah who has hit double figures already during pre-season games.
