Red Bull Salzburg have stepped up their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark with an offer of around €9.6 million (£8.2m, $10.5m).
The Austrian outfit, who are managed by former Liverpool assistant boss Pep Lijnders, are determined to secure the services of the 19-year-old England youth international on a permanent basis.
However, their latest bid falls significantly short of Liverpool’s valuation and discussions between the clubs are ongoing. Salzburg retain hope that a compromise can be achieved.
Clark missed the recent pre-season tour of the US due to a back problem but has since returned to training at Kirkby.
Liverpool had been considering a loan move for Clark with Championship clubs Norwich City, Leeds United, Sheffield United and Coventry City among his suitors.
However, Salzburg’s persistence has opened the door to a possible permanent transfer.
Clark, who joined Liverpool’s academy from Newcastle United in 2021, made rapid progress last season as he clocked up 12 senior appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side. The interest from Salzburg is no surprise given how much he flourished under the coaching of Lijnders and Vitor Matos, who is now the Dutchman’s No 2.
But Liverpool are adamant that a sale will only be sanctioned in the coming weeks if they receive a bid which they feel reflects his potential and the market value of players with a similar profile.
The Merseyside club begin the new Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday.
(James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
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