Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool line up £10m deal for Ipswich teenager Connor Wickham - EXCLUSIVE
Liverpool's new owners are ready to back Roy Hodgson in the race for £10million Ipswich wonderkid Connor Wickham. [LNB]While Arsenal, Chelsea and, most recently, Tottenham have had approaches rejected, the injury crisis at Portman Road and struggles of Roy Keane's Championship side have caused a rethink, especially with Liverpool prepared to match their valuation for the 17-year-old striker. [LNB]Tottenham were willing to offer £8.5m based on appearances but Liverpool are ready to be more decisive. Under new owners John Henry and Tom Werner they are seeking to recruit the best young English talent. [LNB] Kop shop: Liverpool are lining up a £10million deal to prise Ipswich's high-coveted teenager Wickham[LNB]They will pay Ipswich's price and are confident that Wickham, a Liverpool fan who cites Fernando Torres as his favourite player, wants to join. [LNB]Hodgson had the 6ft 3in teenager watched extensively while he was managing Fulham and has followed him closely since. [LNB]Wickham shot to prominence with England Under 17s in the European Championship last May and has already represented England at Under 21 level. [LNB] Buy British: Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson had Wickham tracked during his days in charge at Fulham[LNB]Ironically, it is his own ankle and knee injuries which have heightened Ipswich's injury concerns and shown up the limitations in Keane's squad. [LNB]The club's youngest ever player has managed only three starts all season, while progress into the Carling Cup semi-finals for his club has accompanied a worrying fall down the table to 17th place. That is the result of five straight league defeats - Ipswich's worst sequence for 15 years. [LNB] Teenage kicks: England youngster Wickham is wanted by a host of top clubs, including Tottenham[LNB]While signing Wickham would be regarded as a major coup on Merseyside and confirm Hodgson's 'Buy British' policy for Liverpool, his departure could be pivotal to Keane's future at Ipswich. [LNB]The Irishman has argued the case for squad reinforcements all season but with a sudden windfall at their disposal, the Ipswich board will deliberate over whether they want Keane or another manager to spend it in the transfer market. [LNB] Liverpool eye Stoke's Shawcross but Agger warns he won't be forced outStand-in Liverpool skipper Pepe Reina targets three points against Villa Houllier: I spotted Ronaldo before Fergie, but Liverpool said no to dealLIVERPOOL FC
