Liverpool Transfer News: Mikkel Duelund Eyes Premier League Move Amid Rumours

FC Midtjylland youngster Mikkel Duelund, a reported target for Liverpool, has spoken about his desire to play in the Premier League one day.

The 19-year-old has been impressive in the Denmark youth setup and recently earned a call-up to the nation's under-21 squad.

On Monday, the team will take on England's youth squad, and when discussing the challenge to come, Duelund detailed his intent to follow in the footsteps of one of his illustrious compatriots, per Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo:

"

Christian Eriksen is an inspiration playing in the Premier League, but he was 21-and-a-half years old—I've checked it—when he moved from Ajax to Tottenham Hotspur. 

Maybe I also need another stepping stone before being ready for the absolute top level. I have great ambitions, and I dream of the big leagues like the Premier League. But I know that I need to be patient.

"

As noted by Doyle, Liverpool were linked with Duelund last season, although it's suggested the player thought it was too early to make such a big switch.

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Indeed, it seems as though the teenager has a mature head on young shoulders. "It was too early for me to move abroad, since I wanted to be part of a first team—not a youth or reserve squad," he admitted, per Doyle. "There have been different rumours linking me to other big clubs. That's flattering, but I keep my focus on my development."

Per the report, Duelund has drawn comparisons with Danish legend Michael Laudrup due to his elegant style of play. His haul of 10 goals in 13 games for the Denmark under-19 team saw him surpass the former Barcelona and Real Madrid man's mark at the same point in his career.

Here's a look at why there is so much excitement about what Duelund can accomplish in the game:

The youngster is enjoying the finest campaign of his career for Midtjylland, making 23 appearances and scoring five goals in the Superliga. The team finished the 2016-17 regular season in Denmark's top flight in fifth place, although they can still contest the divisional title in the Championship round play-off, which begins next month.

Given he's a key man for Midtjylland, it's easy to see why Duelund would prefer to remain where he is for the time being rather than move to the fringes of an elite side. Getting regular minutes, challenging for honours and working day-to-day with a player like Rafael van der Vaart can only be to his benefit.

It would be no surprise if Liverpool did continue to keep an eye on the Denmark youth international, as he's showcased so much promise for a player still in the nascent stages of his career. But concerns over his time on the field will likely prevent this deal from coming to fruition quite yet.