Liverpool turn down Bayer Leverkusen approach for midfielder

Liverpool have turned down a transfer approach from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen for young midfielder Tyler Morton, according to reports.

The 21-year-old made his Reds debut under former manager Jurgen Klopp, making nine appearances in all competitions during the 2021/22 season before spending campaigns on loan in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers and most recently Hull City.

It had previously been reported that fellow German outfit RB Leipzig were readying a move for Morton, who has represented England's Under-20 and Under-21 sides.

However, Sky Sports now claim he is unlikely to move before Friday's transfer deadline, revealing an approach from Leverkusen has been rebuffed.

Morton made appearances for Liverpool over the summer during their pre-season friendlies but hasn't been included in Arne Slot's matchday squads for the wins over Ipswich Town and Brentford in the early stages of the 2024/25 campaign.

Ryan Gravenberch has partnered Alexis Mac Allister in central midfield so far, with Dominik Szoboszlai operating in a number 10 role. Slot also has Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones as options in the middle of the park, while Stefan Bajcetic is set to join Austrian outfit Salzburg on loan despite reported interest from Barcelona.

Another Reds youngster said to be attracting interest is teenage winger Ben Doak. The Anfield club have given their green light for the 18-year-old Scot, who was recently called up to the senior national team for their UEFA Nations League matches against Poland and Portugal next month, to leave on loan to help accelerate his development.

Liverpool have also finally made their first signing of the summer transfer window, with Italy winger Federico Chiesa arriving from Juventus in an £11m deal. A deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is also close to completion - but the Georgian wouldn't arrive until 2025.

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