Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Ante Coric and Emeka Obi Rumours

Liverpool reportedly face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City to sign teenage Croatian playmaker Ante Coric. Both clubs are said to be ready to make approaches for the 19-year-old Dinamo Zagreb ace in January.

The Sun's Jim Sheridan revealed how the player, favourably compared to Croatia international and Real Madrid star Luka Modric, actually came close to joining the Reds in the summer: "But the youngster – regarded as one of Europe’s top talents – chose to remain at the club, despite revealing he was just 'a medical away' from linking up with Liverpool."

Sheridan also pointed out it will take a fee of £10 million to convince Dinamo into finally selling. It might be considered a bargain for a player who has repeatedly attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.

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In fact, the junior schemer stated he rebuffed advances from La Liga giants Los Merengues back in January, according to an interview with 24sata (h/t Charlie Phillippe of the Daily Express).

However, Los Blancos aren't the only ones who've been on the case, with City also staying keen. The Citizens were even said to have made Dinamo an offer worth up to £14.6 million back in August, per Simon Jones of the Mail on Sunday.

Coric has merited such an illustrious queue of suitors thanks to a mesmerising array of skills on the ball. Four Four Two's Nemanja Grbic detailed how Coric wows both markers and supporters with the ball at his feet: "Quite simply, Coric is a joy to watch when in possession and when he decides to dribble past players. It's not rare to see him go past two or three of them in just one of his runs."

In this sense, Coric would fit in well at Liverpool, where manager Jurgen Klopp favours the skills of classy flair players. It's how he's been building the Reds into viable title contenders, powered by a fluid attacking contingent noted for creativity and dynamism on the break.

Klopp has also not been shy about underpinning his Anfield squads with a healthy foundation of youth. He's already signed 20-year-old former Red Star Belgrade gem Marko Grujic.

Landing Coric ahead of some strong competition would give Liverpool one more stylish technician to go with the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

Reds Reportedly Agree to Deal for Bury Prospect

Klopp has reportedly already added one talented prospect to the ranks after reports stated the Reds have agreed a deal to sign Bury's young defender Emeka Obi.

The Sun's Wally Downes Jr. noted how 15-year-old centre-back Obi has agreed to join Liverpool, and even took to Twitter to confirm the move. Yet the same report also revealed how visa issues could delay the move being made official for the teenager with Nigerian heritage.

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Meanwhile, Mikael McKenzie of the Bury Times detailed how pre-contract papers have been drawn up and signed.

If Obi does complete a switch to Anfield, he'll come with a glowing recommendation from Bury manager Garry Flitcroft, per Downes: “I think he’s the best talent right now at 15 years old in the entire country."

Liverpool have never been shy about taking a chance on untested youngsters. The club acquired then-15-year-old Raheem Sterling from Queens Park Rangers in 2010.

Klopp has also been keen to build through youth, and the latest moves and rumours show he's going to stay committed to the philosophy while trying to compete with the mega-rich Manchester clubs in England's top flight.