Liverpool Step Up Interest in Fulham Winger Patrick Roberts

Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their interest in young Fulham winger Patrick Roberts with a view to a move during the January transfer window.

According to the Mirror, the Reds had their scouts check on the young winger recently and are keen to secure his services at the earliest.

Apart from the Anfield club, Arsenal and Manchester United are also tracking the youngster and all three clubs have been keeping tabs on Roberts throughout the summer.

Liverpool will hold the edge when it comes to signing the youngster, as it has been revealed that he is a boyhood Reds fan.

Brendan Rodgers, who has been keeping tabs on the youngster, was keen to snap him before he signed his professional contract, but that was not possible after he committed his future to the Cottagers earlier this year and is now contracted to the west London club until the summer of 2016.

Apart from playing a key role for Fulham's youth team last season, Roberts also helped the England U17 team win the European Championship in May and these performances have attracted the interest of a host of top English clubs.

However, Roberts is now an important part of the Fulham squad, who are struggling in the Championship this season, and it will take a substantial bid from interested clubs to tempt the club to part with their prized asset.

Meanwhile, Reds boss Rodgers has praised new signing Emre Can and believes the midfielder will be an important player for Liverpool in the years to come.

The German midfielder scored his first goal for the club in the clash against Chelsea in the Premier League and the boss believes there is more to come from the midfielder, who is just returning to full fitness.

"He's a big, strong boy who is just coming back to fitness really. He did very well, showing good power and energy in the game," Rodgers told Liverpool's official site.

"He can shoot from distance and got a good goal. He's a young player that is developing very well and I'm sure over the next couple of years he'll prove to be a very good player."

"He's still a very young player at 20 years of age. So games like the one in the week and this will be good for his experience," the Reds boss added.