Liverpool and Leeds are ready to battle it out for highly-rated teenager Calvin Ramsay, who continues to impress for Aberdeen.
Jurgen Klopp has approved the club's pursuit of the 18-year-old, who has made 33 appearances for the Scottish outfit this term.
Aberdeen are only willing to sell up for a fee that exceeds their current record, which stands at £3m. Ramsay has only been part of the first team for a little over a year but has continued to grow in stature.
Last month he was named Scottish Football Writers’ young player of the year, an award previously won for three successive years by Kieran Tierney, such have been his performances north of the border. He cited Liverpool full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and fellow Scot Andy Robertson as major influences.
Ramsay said: "There are some great players who have won the award and it's a massive achievement for me. As a full-back, watching Trent and his crosses and his technical ability - if I can get to that level then it would be a bonus."
"Andy Robertson at Liverpool and Tierney at Arsenal have been brilliant and they're players I look up to, especially as they are full-backs like me. I feel I could go on to do that as well." That lure of learning from the pair as well as working under Klopp will no doubt factor into his decision.
However, with his development coming on at a rapid rate, regular minutes are key. Alexander-Arnold is among the leading lights at Anfield and his understudy, Neco Williams, has seen his games limited, eventually heading out on loan. That is why Leeds could prove a more attractive proposition, reports the Athletic.
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First choice right-back Luke Ayling is into his 30s and may soon need replacing at Elland Road. That would offer Ramsay an accelerated route into the starting XI in Yorkshire. Norwich City, who are set for a Championship return, and Italian side Sassuolo are also keen on the young Scot.
Klopp has continued to back youth during his tenure at Anfield. The club recently completed the signing of Ben Doak from Celtic. Alexander-Arnold is the biggest success story of the club's academy but stars like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have been allowed to flourish.
The German said previously: "Ultimately the young players must be receptive, and how they adapt and integrate is very much down to them. If you ask any of our first team they will tell you we are blessed with an exceptional group."
