Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Luca Stephenson of Liverpool showing his appreciation to the fans at the end of the pre-season friendly against Arsenal on July 31 2024 in Philadelphia(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

It wasn't the most straightforward of campaigns for those involved with the Liverpool Academy.

And one such example is 21-year-old midfielder Luca Stephenson, whose season-long loan with Scottish Premiership side Dundee United saw him become a regular in the senior side and named the club's Young Player of the Year.

The Tangerines are now keen on a permanent deal for Stephenson, although no talks have thus far taken place with the Reds.



READ MORE:Florian Wirtz transfer latest as Liverpool meeting with Rayan Cherki explainedREAD MORE:Federico Chiesa makes Liverpool transfer exit admission - 'something to think about'

And Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin said: “I had a really good conversation in depth with Luca prior to him leaving.

“He was outstanding for us and deservedly won our Young Player of the Year award.

We missed him towards the end of the season when he was unavailable.

“I’d love to bring Luca back, but he’s under contract at Liverpool, so we’ll just need to wait and see what happens with that."

Article continues below

Goodwin was manager at Aberdeen when the Dons signed Leighton Clarkson on an initial loan before the midfielder made a permanent switch two years ago.

He started Aberdeen's Scottish Cup final triumph over Celtic last month.

And that close working relationship with Liverpool means Dundee United could look to take another Reds youngster on a temporary basis for the next campaign as Goodwin extolled the virtues of the Kirkby Academy.

"I speak to their loans manager, Matt Newberry, who I’ve got a good relationship with," he said.

"He was really good to deal with again with regards to bringing Luca up.

Article continues below

“They’ve got a fantastic academy down there, as you’d imagine, so we’ll try and tap into that again in the summer.

I’ve already identified a couple of really good ones, but it’s just whether we can get them to Scotland or not.

“It’s a relationship that we’ll continue to try and work on.
For more news relating to Celtic, visit our sister site Celtic Latest Live.