Rhian Brewster: Liverpool striker left out of squad against Lincoln as Sheffield United lead transfer race

Brighton and Crystal Palace are also admirers, but are yet to make an approach for a player valued at £25m by Liverpool

Melissa Reddy
Senior Football Correspondent
Thursday 24 September 2020 16:33 BST
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Rhian Brewster is set to depart Anfield this month
Rhian Brewster is set to depart Anfield this month (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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Rhian Brewster has been left out of Liverpool’s matchday squad for the Carabao Cup trip to Lincoln City as he moves closer to resolving his future, with Sheffield United still heading the queue to sign him.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp had another discussion about the young forward on Wednesday. 

Speaking to the media, Wilder reiterated: “We need somebody in the building. I’ve said that to the board, that we need to add to the group. We're after a centre forward and there's a few out there. We need to add. We've got a little bit of time to get someone in, which we need to do.”

Brewster has been Wilder’s first choice to add to his offensive options, but the scale of interest in the England Under-21 international has led to Sheffield United also making an enquiry for Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun.

“We can't just chuck everything into one player,” Wilder admitted and there is a clearer path to landing the 19-year-old from the Emirates.

Brewster, though, remains his key target on account of greater experience and the clinical  composure he showed while scoring 10 goals in 20 league appearances for Swansea last season, which helped fire them into the play-offs.

Swansea manager Steve Cooper would love to have the attacker under his charge again, but has been resigned to missing out to a Premier League club. Aston Villa have made checks on Brewster and could reignite their interest with Mbwana Samatta edging towards an exit.

Brighton and Crystal Palace are also admirers, but are yet to make an approach for a player valued at £25m by Liverpool, who insist on a buy-back option being included in any deal. 

That would be great business for the selling club, but has naturally made potential suitors slightly hesitant. The champions, however, believe the 20-year-old to be a guaranteed goalscorer in the league with regular minutes – something he wouldn’t be afforded at Anfield.

Sheffield United have received glowing reports on the player’s attitude, application and ambition and are hoping to reach an agreement with Liverpool before one of their league rivals formally submit a proposal.

Meanwhile, Burnley have opened discussions with Liverpool over Wales international Harry Wilson.

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