Swansea City and Cardiff City linked with Liverpool talent
A number of sides are tracking the talented midfielder
Luca Stephenson of Liverpool
(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
South Wales rivals Swansea City and Cardiff City are among those tipped with an interest in highly-rated Liverpool youngster Luca Stephenson.
Our colleagues at the Liverpool Echo claim both sides are among a clutch of clubs to have monitored the 21-year-old, who has been tipped for a big future at Anfield.
Swansea are still keen on adding to their ranks, having already brought five players on board this summer.
They are already close to sealing one Premier League loan in his window, with a move for West Ham United centre-back Kaelan Casey seemingly confirmed.
The Swans have also shown an interest in fellow Liverpool youngster James McConnell this summer.
Cardiff, meanwhile, are yet to make a single addition to their squad following relegation to League One, although chairman Mehmet Dalman says they are close to confirming new arrivals.
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Versatile midfielder Stephenson spent last season on loan at Dundee United, and was named the club's Young Player of the Season following a string of impressive performances.
The former Sunderland starlet made 31 appearances for United last term, scoring three goals and earning two assists.
He has since featured for the Premier League champions during pre-season, including during the club's tour of the Far East.
But while he is believed to have impressed Liverpool's senior coaching staff, another loan is seen as the best next step in his career.
That news has seemingly alerted a number of clubs.
Dundee United would clearly love to welcome him back for a second spell, while Reading and Rotherham United have also been touted to rival the two south Wales sides.
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Aberdeen have also been identified as admirers, and are believed to be weighing up a possible permanent move.
Stephenson is capable of playing as a holding midfielder or out wide, and has even slotted in at centre-back and full-back.
It's that versatility that is likely to make him such an attractive prospect this summer, and it remains to be seen where he will end up.
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