Liverpool sign Celta Vigo teenager Stefan Bajcetic
By Ross Jackson
Liverpool have completed the signing of 16-year-old Celta Vigo defender Stefan Bajcetic, pipping Manchester United to his signature in the process.
The youngster had been tipped for a move to Old Trafford, with recent reports suggesting that negotiations were underway between United and the teenager ahead of a potential January move.
However, The Athletic report that Liverpool have been working 'around the clock' in order to secure a move for the teenager, and they have now rubber stamped the deal which importantly has been done prior to 1 January - when the new Brexit regulations come into place.
The Merseyside outfit were understood to have been tracking the progress of Bajcetic since 2019, with a €250,000 (£224,000) fee now agreed for the young central defender.
With both Premier League behemoths vying for the Celta Vigo man's signature, he's understood to have opted for a move to Liverpool on the basis that a number of the club's academy staff were involved in the discussions, including academy director Alex Inglethorpe, assistant academy director Nick Marshall and Under-23s coach Barry Lewtas.
Liverpool are also understood to have completed the signing of Birmingham City left-back Calum Scanlon. The England Under-15 international is believed to be costing the Reds a fee of £500,000, as they look to bolster their academy ranks.
The youngster took to Instagram to express his delight at having signed for the Premier League champions, writing the following message: "Happy to sign with Liverpool FC. A big thank you to BCFC and everyone who has helped me progress to this point, but as of today I start a new chapter. The hard work continues, let’s go!"
This season's defensive injury crisis has seen Klopp turn to a number of his youth players including Nathaniel Phillips and Neco Williams.
The pair have both been tasked with filling in at times in the first-team starting XI with some key players ruled out through injury, and Klopp is evidently keen to have more options available to him in the coming years.