Cameron Brannagan set for January loan move, Bolton among clubs interested

Cameron Brannagan could join Bolton Wanderers on loan in January, as Jurgen Klopp seeks a temporary move for the young midfielder.

The 20-year-old broke into Klopp’s first team last season, making nine appearances for the Reds and signing a new long-term contract shortly after the German’s arrival.

But Brannagan has fallen out of favour in 2016/17, failing to even make the matchday squad for any senior clashes, either in the Premier League or the League Cup.

In the meantime, Ovie Ejaria has been promoted from the academy, regularly training with the first team at Melwood and making three League Cup appearances and a brief league debut in November.

Brannagan is not set to remain with the Liverpool U23s, however, with the Liverpool Echo reporting that he is due for a loan move in January.

Bolton, currently plying their trade in League One but pushing for promotion back to the Championship, are said to be Brannagan’s most likely destination.

This would provide the former U21 captain with the experience he requires, particularly if he harbours ambition of reclaiming his first-team role under Klopp.

Brannagan saw a loan switch to Wigan Athletic fall through in the summer, with the Latics unwilling to agree a 75 percent game-time clause.

If Brannagan didn’t appear in at least 75 percent of games he was available for, Wigan would have been forced to pay a significant financial penalty.

It is unclear whether a similar clause will be demanded of Bolton, but it seems likely, with this designed to ensure that Liverpool’s finest young talent is given the required exposure.

Dropping down to League One will be a benefit to Brannagan, who can fine-tune his game in a more robust, physical environment.

Bolton are currently managed by Phil Parkinson, and sit second in the League One table, just one point behind leader Scunthorpe United.

Brannagan could join ex-Reds midfielder Jay Spearing at the Macron Stadium, with his academy predecessor now the Trotters’ vice-captain, having left Liverpool for Greater Manchester in 2013.

Liverpool could see a host of other players leave on loan in January, with Connor Randall among those who would also benefit from a short-term move.