Liverpool striker Rhian Brewster is set to sign a new deal with the club, ending speculation over a possible move to Borussia Monchengladbach.
Brewster was feared to be leaving the club for the Bundesliga, having yet to sign a professional contract with the Reds.
Gladbach were among the sides interested, along with RB Leipzig, and Liverpool even cancelled a scheduled pre-season friendly with Dieter Hecking’s side due to their pursuit of the striker.
But as Jurgen Klopp prepares to fast-track Brewster into the first-team setup next season, the 18-year-old has agreed a terms over an expected five-year deal.
The Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe is among those to report the development, along with the Times‘ Paul Joyce.
Liverpool had already triggered a one-year extension to Brewster’s scholarship, along with goalkeepers Ben Williams and Dan Atherton, but this was an essential decision.
Bascombe explains how Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards had been in “constant negotiations” with the teenager, but his “burning ambition” saw him consider his options.
But Klopp’s persistence clearly convinced Brewster his future lied at Anfield, and he will join the senior squad for pre-season this summer.
Having made waves in the first half of last season, both with the England U17s and the Liverpool U23s, Brewster has spent the last six months sidelined through injury.
But with the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino all currently at the World Cup in Russia, he could be a regular feature in the first weeks of pre-season.
The Reds take on Chester, Tranmere Rovers, Bury and Blackburn Rovers in a series of domestic friendlies before a tour of the United States, and Brewster can hope to make his mark.
It remains to be seen whether he will be fully fit in time, however, but further clashes with Borussia Dortmund, Man City, Man United, Napoli and Torino should see him feature.
Though Liverpool have already conducted more high-profile business this summer with the signing of Fabinho and the pursuit of Nabil Fekir, Brewster’s new deal was lauded by supporters on Sunday:
Excellent news regarding Brewster. A top tier talent who can push for first team minutes this season ????
— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) June 17, 2018
Common sense prevails as Rhian Brewster agrees first professional contract with #LFC. Would have been a crazy decision to walk away from the club this summer. Young striker with a big future under Klopp.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) June 17, 2018
Rhian Brewster news is great. Offers another attacking option who has bags of potential. #LFC
Good luck for this season @RhianBrewster9
— ??????? ?????? (@AnfieldEffect) June 17, 2018
Getting Rhian Brewster on a pro contract is as good as any signing #LFC
— Frank Byrne (@FrankByrne_) June 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/Loki_duP/status/1008304859366518784
Glad that Rhian Brewster has penned a new 5 year deal, massive potential within the youngster and Klopp’s plans to put him in the first team squad for next season. With Solanke likely to go out on loan and Uncertainty in Ings, we will see Brewster getting a few chances.
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) June 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/Dijkinho/status/1008305326590976000
As noted, Klopp’s assurances to Brewster will no doubt have an impact on the futures of the other strikers at the club, most notably Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings.
Dominic Solanke is likely to retain his place, while Firmino is undisputed first choice, but with Brewster promoted to the first team the out-of-favour trio could be moved on.
Fan Comments