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

```html

Liverpool Sees Bid for Sheffield Wednesday Talent Stall

Liverpool's pursuit of Sheffield Wednesday's young prospect Yisa Alao has hit a significant roadblock in their transfer plans. The Anfield club, known for their strategy of securing top young talent across the country, submitted a mid-level six-figure bid in December for the 17-year-old left-back. This move positioned them in direct competition with Manchester United, who also tabled an offer for the highly-rated defender.

The Doncaster-born player has already made three senior appearances for Sheffield Wednesday despite his youth, featuring in EFL Cup ties and making his Championship debut against Derby County. However, the transfer has stalled due to Wednesday's insistence on securing Alao's signature on professional terms first. Currently, the teenager remains on a scholarship deal, having only signed his first scholarship in May 2025.

Liverpool's academy strategy has already yielded impressive results in recent times. Rio Ngumoha joined from Chelsea's academy in September 2024 and became the club's youngest goalscorer in history after scoring on his Premier League debut against Newcastle earlier this season. Additionally, striker Will Wright arrived from Salford City in August following a deal worth £200,000 plus add-ons, beating Arsenal to his signature.

Sheffield Wednesday's financial complications have further complicated matters, with the club currently sitting at the bottom of the Championship on minus-nine points following severe financial breaches. Despite these challenges, Wednesday are prioritizing contract negotiations with their academy prospect before considering any sale.

Interestingly, without professional terms agreed, any Premier League suitor could theoretically bypass Wednesday entirely and offer the player a direct deal, though compensation would still be required through the Professional Football Compensation Committee. This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations between the clubs.

```