OPINION
Rangers must push hard to sign their third Liverpool loanee in the January window.
Not Dominic Solanke, the Anfield attacker they have been linked with again in recent days after his England Under-21 masterclass last week.
But Ben Woodburn, the Wales international who only turned 19 in October and is seemingly certain to be available for a midwinter loan following his wretched time at Sheffield United.
Blades manager Chris Wilder confirmed at his media conference today (Monday) that he had spoken to the teenager about the possibility of heading back to parent club Liverpool in January.
“It’s been talked about [his loan being terminated in January],” Wilder told the Sheffield Star.
“The loan hasn’t gone as well as Ben and us would have liked, for various reasons – like the form of Mark Duffy, who’s probably playing the best football of his career, and the team as a whole.”
It would rank as a major surprise if Liverpool did not sanction a second loan of the campaign for Woodburn – as they did for Ryan Kent last season – and hope that he gets more opportunity than he did at Bramall Lane.
Rangers have certainly lived up to their word and given Liverpool loanees Kent and Ovie Ejaria plenty of game time, with duo already racking up 19 and 21 starts respectively this season.
Woodburn could expect a similarly key role at Anfield, especially as Rangers are short of quality back-up on the wings for first choices Kent and Daniel Candeias, especially with Jamie Murphy unlikely to play again this season.
The nine-times Wales international Woodburn has a better scoring record at all levels than Kent and Candeias, and he could be a brilliant signing for Steven Gerrard’s side.
Blisteringly quick, direct and with an eye for goal, the teenager could be a real asset on the flanks for Rangers in the second half of the campaign when they are likely to need more vim and vigour from out wide.
Amid increasing evidence of a proper title tussle this season, Celtic would be quaking if Rangers haul a loan deal for Woodburn over the finish line.
The addition of the Liverpool rising star could make all the difference in stopping eight-in-a-row at Parkhead.