Middlesbrough Edging Newcastle United in the Race to Sign Liverpool Starlet Sheyi Ojo on Loan
Newcastle will need to add strength and depth to their squad for the upcoming Premier League season, however the Magpies have just been dealt a major blow in their attempt to sign Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo on loan.
North East rivals Middlesbrough, who were relegated from the top-flight last term, are also on the hunt for talent to propel them to the top-flight once more, and it's emerged that Boro - according to a report published by Sky Sports - are supposedly in pole position to lure the youngster in the summer, causing yet another headache for Rafa Benitez.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Sheyi Ojo of Liverpool (L) and David Fox of Plymouth Argyle (R) battle for possession during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Plymouth Argyle at Anfield on January 8, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Michael Steele/GettyImages
Newcastle and the Reds have allegedly been in talks regarding a season long switch to St. James' park for Ojo, although the two clubs have failed to agree upon terms for the deal.
The stumbling block for the 'Toon' has ultimately opened the door for Garry Monk to make his interest known in the attacker, as he aims to build a Championship winning squad, much like Newcastle's of last season.
Ojo, who made his senior debut in January 2016, was limited to just two FA Cup appearances in the 2016-17 campaign - injury woes subsequently hampered his overall inclusion in Jurgen Klopp's fold.
But despite the lack of game time for the Merseysiders, the 20-year-old featured in the triumphant England U20 set-up which won the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea, an accolade which speaks volumes of his underlying talent and potential.
Klopp desires Ojo to spend the imminent campaign on-loan in order to gain valuable first team experience - the Riverside Stadium now being the most plausible of destinations, it seems.
