League One newcomers Sunderland are facing a bitter blow as Liverpool are edging closer to snapping up teenage talent Luca Stephenson. 

According to respected journalist Alan Nixon, Stephenson is a wanted man, and Liverpool are the favourites to sign the youngster in the coming weeks.

At just 15, Stephenson is still a very raw talent and is nowhere near being able to make an appearance for the first team, however, his performances at academy level have caught the eye, and now Liverpool will look to sign the youngster this summer.

Liverpool will need to pay compensation for the youngster, and the Chronicle is reporting a fee in the region of half a million pounds could well be what the Reds need to stump up for the youngster.

Sunderland have already lost some of their top talent this summer after seeing striker Joel Asoro make a move to Swansea City this weekend. New Black Cats manager Jack Ross will be keen to keep hold of his young players, although he is willing to allow players to leave as he seeks to shape his squad in the coming weeks.

Sunderland fans, what do you make of this? Do you know much about Stephenson? Let us know in the comments!