Liverpool Monitoring Progress of Talented Youngster Liam McAlinden

It would seem Liverpool are looking toward building the future of the club after it was revealed that the Reds are in the hunt to bring talented Northern Irishman Liam McAlinden to Anfield.

According to Goal.com, Liverpool, along with Championship contenders Crystal Palace and Leeds United have been monitoring performances of the Northern Ireland Under-21 international. McAlinden has been in impressive form in the Under-21 Premier League, scoring seven goals in 11 appearances for Wolverhampton.

Despite the interest from the EPL giants, McAlinden remains a part of the Wolves franchise—even after his contract finishes up at the end of the season—due to the fact he entered the club aged eight years old.

As such, a transfer to the likes of Liverpool—or Palace or Leeds—will incur the need to compensate Wolves for taking McAlinden of their hands. Such a protocol is in place until the 19-year-old striker reaches 24 years of age.

Whilst such a fee could be off-putting for clubs in the English Championship, Liverpool would be able to comfortably foot any compensation along with a transfer fee. If the Reds were to get in early, McAlinden could arrive as early as January and perhaps get some gaming time under his belt—especially considering Liverpool's lack of strikers readily available this season.

When taken into account, the ample playing time afforded to youngster Raheem Sterling compounded with Brendan Rodgers' footballing philosophy—if they are good enough, let them play, regardless of their age—a move to Liverpool could prove a career-maker for McAlinden. Provided he can deliver on the pitch, it would prove a much more advantageous move in the long run.

Liverpool currently lie in 11th position in the league and will travel to the Boleyn Ground to face West Ham this weekend. A win would see Brendan Rodgers' side move up to equal points with the Hammers.