Liverpool and Man Utd 'Poised for Transfer Battle' Over Teenage Wonderkid

Liverpool and Manchester United are set to clash in a high-stakes transfer race for 17-year-old Sheffield Wednesday left-back Yisa Alao, as the Championship club's financial woes force a potential sale.[2] The English prodigy from Doncaster has caught the eye of both Premier League giants, who are in talks to secure his signature before the winter window closes.[2]

Alao, a promising full-back, has already broken into Sheffield Wednesday's first-team squad despite their struggles in the EFL Championship. He has made four senior appearances, including his first start in last weekend's FA Cup tie against Brentford.[2] Liverpool and United view him as a key addition to bolster their youth academies, with both clubs hoping to capitalize on the Owls' need to cash in on assets amid ongoing financial difficulties.[2]

The report from Football Insider highlights that a departure for Alao seems inevitable, positioning him as the latest hot prospect in English football.[2] Both rivals are actively negotiating, aiming to convince Sheffield Wednesday to let go of their teenage sensation in the coming weeks.[2]

This battle underscores the intense rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United, even extending to the youth market. While Liverpool boasts its own rising stars like winger Rio Ngumoha—who scored a dramatic winner at Newcastle—and versatile defender Amara Nallo Lucky, now a permanent first-team member, the club remains keen on external talents like Alao.[3] Manchester United, meanwhile, continues its midfield rebuild with interests in players like Ruben Neves, but Alao represents a long-term defensive gem.[1]

Alao's rise mirrors other young defenders on Liverpool's radar, such as Sassuolo's highly-rated 22-year-old, though the 17-year-old's availability makes him an immediate priority.[1] As the transfer window heats up, this showdown could define the future backlines of two historic clubs.

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