Woodburn all set to be a Blade for the season
SHEFFIELD United are set to have Liverpool and Wales teen star Ben Woodburn in their squad in time for the Championship opener with Swansea City at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
The Blades have all but beaten Aston Villa in the race to tie up the Anfield tyro on a loan deal.
A deal is expected to be completed sooner rather than later after Woodburn didn’t travel with the Liverpool squad to their French training camp in Evian.
It’s reported Reds boss Jurgen Klopp favours Sheffield United’s attacking style plus expects Woodburn to get more gametime in South Yorkshire, which would suit 18-year-old Woodburn in the long-term, after the Welsh international completed an eye-catching series of displays for Liverpool in the close season.
Villa Park seemed the likely destination for Woodburn and it’s even been claimed boss Steve Bruce enlisted the help of Wales boss Ryan Giggs to have a word on his behalf.
However, Liverpool had the final word and Woodburn himself seems keen on the opportunity at their Championship rivals.
On a possible loan move Woodburn told ESPN earlier this month when out in America with Liverpool: “He [Klopp] is still thinking [about] what’s best for me.
“I’ll agree with whatever he thinks. I’ll trust his decision and do what he wants me to do.
Woodburn, who has made 11 appearances for Liverpool and scored one goal, was part of the 24-man squad that were beaten by Real Madrid in the Champions League final back in May.
Liverpool’s youngest-ever goal scorer only made two outings last season, but Klopp declared his teenager was ‘100% back’ after impressive displays in preseason friendlies.
“I think training with all the players that we have made me a better player,” said Woodburn. “Even though I didn’t get too much game time, I think the experience I got with the Champions League was definitely a good thing for me. I think it will improve me as a player.
“I’ve grown up a bit in the past few seasons, but I’ve been doing a lot of stuff in the gym with the lads and it’s definitely filled me out.”