Liverpool academy starlet attracting interest from Championship

Highly-rated Liverpool academy prospect Lewis Koumas is attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs in the January transfer window.

Lewis Koumas, who is the son of 34-cap former Wales international Jason, has been pulling up trees in the Liverpool academy this season.

The versatile 18-year-old attacker caught the eye in Liverpool U18s recent FA Youth Cup meeting with Arsenal, a game the young Reds won a staggering 7-1.

Koumas bagged a hat-trick in the victory, adding to braces from Trent Kone-Doherty and Jayden Danns. Following three fine finishes, a number of clubs have sat up and taken notice of the Wales U19 international.

According to the Daily Mail, several Championship clubs are monitoring his progress as they look for potential loan deals, but Koumas is expected to stay on Merseyside and continue his development in Liverpool's youth setup.

The youngster has scored four goals and laid on two assists in five Premier League 2 appearances for the U21s this season, regularly playing on the left-hand side of a front three.

Koumas has been so impressive that he even made the bench for Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League in December, albeit he was an unused sub.

Jurgen Klopp has been keen to give first-team opportunities to young players this season, the Liverpool boss even matching a 59-year-old record against Bournemouth at the weekend with his team selection.

Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley have made the biggest impact from the academy so far, but the likes of Ben Doak, Bobby Clark and Kaide Gordon have all been handed minutes this term.

If Koumas doesn't secure a loan move in January, he will certainly be a target for lower league clubs come the summer.