Liverpool transfer news: Bobby Duncan joins Fiorentina for £1.7m after accusations of ‘mental bullying’

Duncan featured for the Reds in pre-season but has now left in search of first team opportunities

Liverpool have offloaded youth-team striker Bobby Duncan to Fiorentina after accepting Serie A side’s offer to buy him permanently.

The PA news agency understands the Italian club have paid 2million euros (£1.7million) up front, with a 20 per cent sell-on fee.

Last week the Merseyside club were firm in their stance that the 18-year-old, scorer of 32 goals for the under-18s in his first season since arriving from Manchester City, would not be leaving.

That was in the light of what was considered a “derisory” offer from the Italian outfit, essentially a loan deal with no obligation to buy and no penalty clauses should Duncan not play.

It prompted the player’s agent Saif Rubie to post a lengthy statement on social media claiming Liverpool had reneged on a deal and the player’s mental health had been affected.

Manager Jurgen Klopp launched a strong defence of their handling of Duncan, and all young players at the club, stressing on Friday how highly they rated him, but over the weekend Fiorentina returned with an improved offer and Liverpool’s position altered.

Despite the club publicly stating their intent to hold on to Duncan, sporting director Michael Edwards remained opened to the potential of a deal and, when a firm offer came in for the England youth international, who arrived for a £200,000 compensation fee last summer, he felt it was the right move for all parties.

Bobby Duncan had fallen out with Liverpool in recent weeks (Getty)

Liverpool have also brought an end to the long-running saga over Ryan Kent, with the winger sealing a return to Rangers on a permanent £7.5m deal.

The 22-year-old had an impressive spell under former Reds captain Steven Gerrard last season but has spent the summer in limbo as the Scottish side refused to meet the club’s asking price and the Merseysiders were unwilling to sanction another loan.

However, Rangers finally came up with a bid on Monday evening, for an initial £6.5m, and the PA news agency understands the Reds have inserted a 20 per cent sell-on clause.