Liverpool Transfer News: Martin Odegaard Impresses as Reds Edge United, Madrid

Norwegian youngster Martin Odegaard impressed during Thursday's training session with Liverpool, with a deal for the youngster's talents appearing to edge closer.

The 15-year-old Stromsgodset player is eligible to sign a professional contract when he turns 16 on Dec. 17, meaning the race to secure his allegiance is heading toward an exciting conclusion.

Odegaard is said to be a Reds supporter, something Liverpool hope "will give them the edge over Manchester United and Real Madrid," according to Liam Prenderville of the Daily Mirror. They have certainly stepped up their efforts to lure the talent, allowing him to train with the first team the day after he enjoyed a meal with Philippe Coutinho.

ITV News tweeted an image of the player who has a major decision to make:

Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia believes Liverpool are ready to offer Odegaard a five-year contract. The attacking midfielder previously spent time with Madrid, who have allegedly proposed the same deal "including the guarantee of top-flight football," per Jose Felix Diaz of Marca.

Visits to Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund are also said to have taken place, but Diaz indicates Odegaard "has expressed a preference for a move to the Bernabeu."

This report could be exaggerated as a means of pushing the transfer along—Marca is affiliated with Madrid—especially if Odegaard has his heart set on representing Liverpool.

SkyBet writer Jamie Casey highlighted the bookies expect him to secure a Merseyside move:

Reds centre-back Kolo Toure was impressed with what he saw during the starlet's makeshift trial, as noted during a news report by Norway's TV2 (you may need to switch English subtitles on):

Odegaard has netted five goals in 23 Tippeligaen appearances during a season of major achievement, per WhoScored.com. Not only is he the youngest player and scorer to ever step foot into Norway's top league, he was recently rewarded with a call-up to the national team. He subsequently broke another record, per BBC 606:

Plenty of expectation will follow Odegaard, no matter where he ends up. It's likely the player will work through a handful of loan spells before appearing for the club who eventually secures his signature. While smart in possession and naturally confident, his fitness needs to be managed properly at this stage.

He is yet to complete two consecutive 90-minute performances for Stromsgodset, per WhoScored. It is pivotal to keep Odegaard hungry, fresh and injury free at this stage. His considerable quality is highlighted below:

Rodgers managed a similar situation with Raheem Sterling last season before the player became arguably Liverpool's most important attacking outlet. The manager's summer investments—including youngsters Emre Can, Alberto Moreno and Divock Origi—show he isn't afraid to place an emphasis on developing powers.

Odegaard is likely some years off making a consistent impression in an elite European club's first team, but the quality of his suitors says an awful lot. Rodgers will hope to appeal to his heart with an inviting contract. The lures of Manchester and Madrid are likely to tempt, but this could be enough to push a coup over the line.