Chances of Woodburn loan move hot up
SUNDERLAND’S hopes of landing 18-year-old Welsh sensation Ben Woodburn on loan have received a huge boost, according to reports.
The Black Cats have been credited with an interest in the Liverpool forward, with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp now apparently keen for the youngster go out on loan.
Klopp is reported to be keen for Woodburn to get more first-team experience, with his prospects at Anfield currently limited.
This comes after reports earlier this week that the German favoured keeping him on Merseyside and developing the player within the club.
Sunderland manager Chris Coleman is a known admirer of the striker, who can also play as a No 10, having given him his first cap for Wales in September, when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Austria.
The Black Cats are believed to be on the lookout for firepower in the January transfer window, particularly if Lewis Grabban is recalled by Bournemouth.
However, with Josh Maja and Joel Asoro also pushing for a firstteam place, Coleman may perhaps prefer a more experienced option should he be able to bring any new faces in next month.
There is no doubting Woodburn’s potential, however, with the forward being compared to Liverpool legend Ian Rush.
After handing him his international debut, Coleman said of Woodburn: “Ben is very composed, he doesn’t get fazed.
“He’s got a long, long way to go, Ben knows that and Liverpool will be the same.
“It’s for everyone else to get carried away but for me he’s a bright young player and he needs to keep working hard.”