Liverpool are set to complete the signing of Fulham's 16-year-old midfielder Harvey Elliott, The Daily Telegraph have reported.
Elliott, who cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 17 next April, is thought to have turned down the offer of a new scholarship leading into a professional contract at Craven Cottage, meaning he is now available on a free transfer, and it appears Anfield is set to be his next destination.
According to the report, Liverpool have beaten a number of other Premier League sides, as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid, French champions Paris Saint Germain and German side RB Leipzig to Elliott's signature, and the Champions League winners will now have to agree what will be a significant compensation fee with Fulham for the midfielder.
In total, Elliott made three substitute appearances for Fulham's first team last season, becoming the club's youngest ever player when he appeared in their EFL Cup win at Millwall in September at the age of 15 years and 174 days.
He then went onto become the youngest player ever to play in the Premier League, coming off the bench in their 1-0 defeat at Wolves at the start of May at the age of 16 years and 30 days, going onto feature in their 4-0 defeat to Newcastle on the final day of the season.
The verdict
This is something of a blow for Fulham, although more in the long term than the short term.
Elliott's age means he was always unlikely to play a regular or significant role in Fulham's campaign next season, but that doesn't mean that they weren't planning a big future for him at Craven Cottage.
The fact that they were willing to use him in the Premier League season - albeit for brief cameo appearances following confirmation of their relegation - is an indicator of their confidence in his ability and potential going forward.
It now seems however that that will be something for Liverpool to exploit, and it will be interesting to see just how many opportunities he is able to get in a side who will be chasing trophies on a number of fronts next season.