Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark looks set to stay at Anfield, despite Derby County making a loan bid for the highly-rated youngster.
The Derby Telegraph indicated that the Midlands side, now in League One, had expressed a strong interest in a short-term deal for the teenager, who impressed during the Reds' pre-season tour of Germany and Singapore this summer. Indeed, Paul Warne's side were favourites to sign him.
However, it now seems that Liverpool have performed a U-turn. The Echo initially reported that the 18-year-old was set to sign a new long-term contract with the club before heading out on a temporary deal.
Now, though, Keifer MacDonald reports that coach Jürgen Klopp has vetoed any move, preferring to keep the player as part of the first-team squad at least until January.
Expectation is that Bobby Clark will now stay at Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp wants him to be part of the squad. New contract to be signed regardless.
Liverpool will reassess situation in January. https://t.co/iz58Sknlk0
— Keifer MacDonald (@KeiferMacD) September 1, 2023
A future star
The 18-year-old, the son of former Newcastle midfielder Lee Clark, joined Liverpool from Newcastle two years ago and is widely seen as a potential future star.
Last season, notably, he faced Derby in the Carabao Cup, where his performance led to a penalty shootout, with Paul Warne's team eventually losing on penalties.
Additionally, he made his Premier League debut in the 9-0 demolition of Bournemouth, underscoring the high regard in which he is held by the Liverpool coaching team.
Clark also caught the eye in the 2023/24 pre-season, scoring in the 4-0 win over Leicester in Singapore.