Martin Odegaard Set to Reject Advances from Manchester Clubs for Dream Liverpool Move

Norwegian wonder-kid Martin Odegaard is set to reject advances from Manchester City and Manchester United to sign for Liverpool, according to the Sunday People.

The 15-year-old, who became the youngest player to start in a European tournament, is a staunch Reds fan just like his father, and would prefer a move to Merseyside if a transfer is possible. Liverpool were reported to be interested in the teenager but are yet to open talks with the player, who is also being pursued by clubs from Spain.

Brendan Rodgers has to hurry up if he has to prise Odegaard away from his decorated rivals, especially with the player having already visited the training facilities of both the Manchester clubs. The former Swansea manager is known for his ability to groom youngsters and Odegaard's arrival at Anfield will be a win-win situation for both sides.

Scandinavian football expert and scout Fabrizio Bertuzzi has already given the player his stamp of approval and expects the boy to do very well in the future.

"Odegaard is an interesting player in a highly respected team (Stromsgodset)," Bertuzzi told tuttomercatoweb.

"He is a talented and creative midfielder but he has impressive maturity. He attacks down the left but can also play on the right or in the centre. I saw a similar maturity in Paul Pogba but he was 17 at the time, not 15.

"I am not surprised Barcelona are interested. He features a mix of both Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Despite being an adolescent he is almost a semi-god of football," he added.

Meanwhile, Liverpool play Real Madrid in the third group game of the Champions League.

The Reds have to get a result out of this game or face a nervy end to their European campaign, having lost their game against Basel in the previous round. A win against Madrid will give them the much needed confidence that was seen lacking in their performance against Queens Park Rangers, although they managed a 3-2 victory.