Liverpool is leading the race for Wycombe Wanderers sensation Jordan Ibe, Goal.com has learned.
The 15-year-old schoolboy, who has already broken into the League One side’s first team, had a trial at the Merseyside club’s Melwood training base earlier this season, where he impressed manager Kenny Dalglish and his coaching staff.
But Liverpool faces competition for the wide attacker from Manchester United and Fulham, who have also made enquiries for the youngster.
Scouts from Manchester City have also watched Ibe on a number of occasions this season although the Premier League leaders have not registered any formal interest in the player.
Ibe is in his final year of secondary school in south London and it is understood that the teenager is keen to remain at Wycombe this season because of the prospect of first-team football.
“Jordan is pretty special,” a source told Goal.com “He has exploded onto the scene this season and a lot of big clubs are taking an interest in him. He is very quick, skilful and plays out wide.
“Liverpool really liked the look of him but he is still at school and is happy at Wycombe because he can get in the team, which won’t happen at Liverpool or Man United.”
The youngster made headlines when he became Wycombe’s youngest debutant since the club entered the Football League, making his senior bow in a League Cup clash against Colchester in August aged 15 years and 244 days.
He has played five matches in total for Wycombe this season, including substitute appearances in the club’s last two fixtures, although he had to pull out of one game because of school commitments the following day.
Wycombe gave permission for Ibe to spend a few days with Liverpool, where it is believed that he took part in training sessions and was shown around Melwood by senior staff.
The League One club will struggle to hold on to the teenager should a Premier League or top Championship team make a substantial offer, although the new Elite Player Performance Plan system, which was agreed by Football League clubs last week, means that sides like Wycombe will soon receive lower fees for leading players under the age of 17.
Wycombe were one of the 22 clubs who voted against the new proposal last week, which will come into effect from the start of next season and put an end to million pound-plus deals for teenagers.
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