Liverpool will be forced into a re-think of their summer transfer plans after pulling out of the race to sign Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon.

Sessegnon is expected to join Tottenham, with the Reds now looking elsewhere for a new left-back.

The 17-year-old was identified by Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team as a player who could come in, learn from and cover for James Milner, before eventually taking over as first choice.

The initial hope was that Liverpool could see off competition from a host of other Premier League clubs to land the talented teenager, but discussions with the player and his representatives proved difficult.

The ECHO understands that Liverpool doubted the youngster’s commitment to a move to Merseyside, and have subsequently withdrawn their interest.

Sessegnon, who made 25 appearances in the Championship this season, has been offered a professional contract by Fulham having turned 17 earlier this month, but is likely to make the switch to White Hart Lane.

Spurs face the prospect of losing Danny Rose this summer, with Manchester United keen on the England defender, and now have a free run at Sessegnon with Liverpool out of the race.

For the Reds, it means attention must switch to other targets.

Hull’s Andy Robertson has been linked, although recent reports that an agreement has been reached for the Scotland international are wide of the mark.

Milner, 31, did a good job having been asked by Klopp to play at full-back last summer, playing 40 times, but Liverpool remain keen to strengthen in that position.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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