Liverpool have reportedly fallen short in their attempt to lure Wales Under-19s star Ethan Ampadu to Anfield, with Arsenal the side currently leading the race for his signature.
The 16-year-old has impressed at League Two level with Exeter City since making the breakthrough earlier this season, leading to talk of a move to one of the Premier League big boys.
Liverpool felt that they had an advantage due to already having fellow Wales youngsters Ben Woodburn and Harry Wilson in their age-grade sides, the former of whom became the club's youngest-ever scorer earlier this week, but the Liverpool Echo reports that it is top-flight rivals Arsenal who are closest to tying him down.
Ampadu was given a Liverpool trial two years ago but opted to continue his development with Exeter, and the Reds are said to have resigned themselves to missing out on the talented teenager.
The versatile defensive player, named as Wales's Young Player of the Year last month, only turned 16 in September but already has 10 senior appearances to his name.
Daniel Lewis
