With Liverpool midfielder Kevin Stewart set to leave in the summer, three Premier League and three Championship clubs are said to be interested.
Stewart saw his season end prematurely when he underwent surgery on a hernia problem in April, having made just nine senior appearances in 2016/17.
This may well have been in order to preserve his value, with the 23-year-old likely to depart, as his opportunities dwindle under Jurgen Klopp.
Newly promoted Brighton & Hove Albion have already been credited with an interest, and now the notorious Sky sources have claimed five other clubs are in pursuit of the midfielder.
Both Stoke City and Burnley are eager to give Stewart a platform in the Premier League.
And he could also be given the option to drop down to the Championship with Aston Villa, Derby County and Norwich City.
Liverpool are said to be looking for a £10 million fee if Stewart is to leave this summer, which could deter suitors—particularly those from the second tier.
But having signed a new four-year contract with the Reds in November, Stewart’s value is high, and Liverpool could be wise in their lofty demand.
After all, last summer Jordon Ibe (£15 million) and Brad Smith (£6 million) both secured the club significant fees when they left for Bournemouth.
Sky Sports News are certainly a questionable outlet for transfer stories, as their credibility slowly dissolves, but if true, mounting interest in Stewart could be profitable.
If the likes of Brighton, Burnley and Stoke prompt a bidding war, Liverpool could find themselves in a strong position.
At 23, Stewart still has considerable potential, and given regular first-team football, could unearth his talent under a manager more sensitive to his requirements.
Currently, he is little more than a backup on Merseyside, evidenced by his 16 minutes of action in the Premier League this season, and this is unlikely to improve.
Klopp is already seeking additions in the middle of the park this summer, with RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita the priority target, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could operate there too.
Marko Grujic is continuing to progress, and will likely take up a more prominent role in 2017/18, while Pedro Chirivella could feasibly return following his loan spell with Go Ahead Eagles.
And with long-term hopes for Brazilian youngster Allan Rodrigues, Stewart’s game time will only decrease as the seasons go by.
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