Liverpool confirm season-long loan move for defender Sam Hart

Liverpool have confirmed that their defender Sam Hart has joined Port Vale on a season-long loan deal.

The 19-year-old made a switch to the Merseyside club from Manchester United during the 2012/13 campaign and joined the Reds' academy. Since signing for Liverpool, he has impressed in their Under-21 and Under-23 side, featuring as a left-back.

Hart has been a regular inclusion in Michael Beale's Under-23 side, but is yet to make his first team debut. Jurgen Klopp has decided to allow the teenager to leave the club and join the League One outfit on loan. His move to Vale Park is subject to EFL clearance

A statement on Liverpool's official website read: "Liverpool Academy defender Sam Hart has joined League One side Port Vale on a season-long loan, subject to EFL clearance."

"The 19-year-old, who has been with the Reds since the 2012-13 campaign, regularly features for Michael Beale's U23s team. Now he will spend the duration of this season with Port Vale, who have claimed two victories from four league games and host Scunthorpe United on Saturday."

Port Vale appointed former Leeds United midfielder Bruno Ribeiro as their new manager earlier in June. Since the Portuguese coach took charge at the club, he has made over a dozen additions to his squad and Hart became the 15<sup>th signing in the summer transfer window. The left-back will wear the No 46 shirt for the 2016/17 campaign.

Ribeiro's men play Scunthorpe United in the next league fixture at home on 27 August and Hart could be in contention to make his debut. He expressed his delight after completing a loan move to Port Vale and is hopeful of featuring this weekend.

"Delighted to join @OfficialPVFC. Excited to getting started this weekend!" Hart tweeted.

The League One club have already played four matches this season, suffering one defeat and conceding only one goal in the process.