Cameron Brannagan is set to stay at Liverpool, with the Reds rejecting an offer from Championship side Wigan Athletic.
In a rather optimistic approach from the Latics this summer, manager Gary Caldwell was said to be keen on securing the midfielder’s services either on loan or in a permanent deal.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Wigan were willing to pay “in excess of £1 million” for the 20-year-old.
Middlesbrough are also believed to have expressed an interest in Brannagan, but Liverpool have made it clear that Brannagan will not be leaving the club ahead of 2016/17, with Jurgen Klopp earmarking a regular role for the midfielder in his first-team ranks.
Brannagan has returned to Melwood for pre-season training alongside fellow academy youngsters Pedro Chirivella, Connor Randall and Brad Smith, as he looks to establish himself in Klopp’s long-term plans.
Making nine appearances for the senior squad in 2015/16, Brannagan highlighted his potential as a Premier League midfielder, with his dead-ball delivery particularly impressive.
His performance against West Bromwich Albion on the final day of the league campaign—his full debut in the English top flight—showcased his technical quality and tactical intelligence.
These are qualities that Klopp will cherish, despite Brannagan lack of physicality, and he will likely vie with the likes of Marko Grujic and Kevin Stewart as backup options this season.
Liverpool will reinforce their belief in Brannagan by beginning talks over an improved deal for the former U21s captain this summer.
Klopp’s side are set take on Wigan during a busy pre-season schedule, travelling to the DW Stadium for their third warmup friendly on July 17.
Brannagan can expect to feature in the early weeks of pre-season, with Jordan Henderson and James Milner both on holiday and Emre Can and Joe Allen still competing at Euro 2016.
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