Liverpool 'very likely' to make move for 18-year-old defender

Liverpool have been linked with a move for 18-year-old defender Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu.

According to the youngster's agent, Kingsley Ogbodo, the Reds are keeping tabs on the promising Danish left back and could even launch a move to snap him up in the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Sport Italia on Tuesday, Ogbodo revealed that while Liverpool are yet to make an official offer for Dorgu, they are 'very likely' to do so and have been following him for a while.

He said: “No, they haven’t made any offers, but it is very likely that Liverpool will make one. I don’t know if it will happen, but they are interested and they like the player.”

It's not the first time the agent has talked about a move to Liverpool. Earlier this month, Ogbodo actually advised against Dorgu going to Anfield at this stage of his career.

He said, via Danish outlet Bold: “Liverpool want him. Liverpool have been watching him and interested in him for some time, but if he goes there he’ll have to play in the U23 team.

“It’s not the best for him, so I advise him not to do it. They can offer him a lot of money, but that’s not what we’re looking for right now. We focus on his career, development and playing time.”

Ogbodo further stated that Liverpool aren't the only club interested in snapping up Dorgu, with Manchester City and Barcelona also believed to be in the running for his signature.

“Liverpool are of course not the only club that want him," he said. "There are many clubs here in England that are keeping an eye on him. Manchester City kept an eye on him when he played against England for the U19 national team in Hobro in Denmark. Lecce’s scout has also told me that Barcelona is also keeping an eye on Patrick because he’s a huge talent.

"We’d like him to stay in Lecce a little longer. Two more seasons so he can mature and gain experience. So when he moves on to a bigger club in a few seasons, we will know at that time that he is ready for it.”

Dorgu is a promising full back who has mainly featured in Leece's youth set up, having moved from his native Denmark last year.

The 18-year-old has also made five appearances for the Denmark U-19s, chipping in with two goals.

Lecce retained their Serie A status last season with a 16th-placed finish and if Dorgu stays in Italy, he could break into the senior side in the 2023/24 campaign.