Liverpool Transfer News: Reds Reportedly Win Ryan Sessegnon Race, Top Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly confident they have won the race to sign Fulham's teenage star Ryan Sessegnon, according to Charles Watts of Football.London. He noted the Reds believe they have beaten competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur for the 16-year-old left-back.

Watts confirmed how Liverpool believe there is now a deal in place to bring Sessegnon to Anfield at the end of the season: "Chelsea and Spurs are also interested, but football.london understands that Sessegnon is on his way to Liverpool this summer. 

"The Anfield outfit are confident that they have landed the attacking left full-back, who scored twice last weekend as Fulham stunned Newcastle 3-1 at St James’ Park."

The current reports appear confident about Liverpool having possibly landed the brightest young thing in the Championship. However, not everybody is convinced the Reds are even tracking the precocious left-sided defender.

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Among the doubters, James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo has said he's unaware of interest in more than one of the Reds' mooted left-back targets, including Schalke 04's Sead Kolasinac: "I've not heard anything about interest in Kolasinac or Sessegnon. Liverpool seem to have been linked with 100s of left-backs."

Pearce may be right to have his doubts; however, the influx of rumours linking Liverpool with left-backs is only created by the squad's obvious need at the position. To say there's a gaping hole on the left side of the Reds' defence would be harsh on James Milner, the experienced England international who has filled in there admirably for most of this season.

In fact, Milner's six goals and three assists, per WhoScored.com, point to a player who has at least mastered the attacking aspects of playing full-back. Yet former Aston Villa man Milner is still a midfielder operating at left-back.

He ultimately lacks the natural defensive awareness for the position and, at 31, doesn't represent a long-term solution at this problem spot.

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Unfortunately for Liverpool, Spaniard Alberto Moreno can't be trusted to either pose a consistent threat going forward or be a steady presence in defensive areas.

The Reds' issues at left-back make Sessegnon a sensible target. He is developing rapidly at Fulham, showing the attacking appetite and recovery pace to be an all-round star at full-back.

In short, Sessegnon is the exact type of raiding full-back Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp should be looking for to fit his intense-pressing style of play.

Reds Scout Cagliari Midfielder

Sessegnon isn't the only young talent reportedly on Liverpool's radar. Klopp and the Merseyside club are also said to be scouting Cagliari midfield gem Nicolo Barella.

Italian source La Nuova (h/t Football Insider's Will Butcher) revealed how "Jurgen Klopp sent his spies to watch the 20-year-old star during Cagliari's 1-0 defeat, as he impressed despite being on the losing side."

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However, the same report detailed how Serie A quartet AC Milan, AS Roma, Inter Milan and Juventus are also keen on the Italy U20 international, with Cagliari not anxious to sell.

Klopp's interest in Barella makes some sense since Liverpool could use a refresh in midfield areas. Specifically, the Anfield club needs a replacement for Lucas Leiva.

The 30-year-old Brazilian is the closest thing to a natural holding midfielder in Klopp's squad. Yet Lucas has often been deployed as a makeshift centre-back this season.

Barella would be an obvious upgrade thanks to both his physical style and quality technique. Butcher detailed how the youngster shines when on the ball: "Known for his wonderful array of passing, Cagliari's number 18 has a successful pass rate of 80.5 per cent as he continues to ply his trade in the middle of the park."

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Signing a deep-lying playmaker with Barella's tenacity and skills would allow Klopp licence to push players such as skipper Jordan Henderson and Emre Can further forward.

Klopp appears to be getting ready to build Liverpool on a foundation of youth and potential. It's a smart move for a club without the financial resources of Premier League foes Chelsea, Manchester City and bitter rivals Manchester United.

If Klopp could secure and quickly develop young gems such as Sessegnon and Barella, he would keep Liverpool competitive among the mega-rich in England's top flight.