Luca Stephenson thrown Liverpool first-team lifeline

Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson has been once again impressive for Dundee United this season.

The 22-year-old was initially loaned to the Scottish top-flight side last season - winning their young player of the year award.

Stephenson returned to Anfield last summer unsure of his future. But he knuckled down, earned himself a place on Arne Slot’s pre-season tour and even ended up signing a new contract.

This season has gone well once again for the former Sunderland youth - who can play right-back, right wing-back and centre midfield.

Rangers and Celtic want Stephenson

His performances for Dundee United in the opening stages of the season led to reports that Liverpool would recall him in January but he ultimately stayed put to see out the campaign.

Reports last week also suggested that Rangers - as well as Celtic - saw Stephenson as a possible summer transfer acquisition.

A bid would put pressure on sporting director Richard Hughes - who needs to weigh up the benefits of having a homegrown player around versus any potential “pure profit” earned on Stephenson in the transfer window.

A report in Football Insider now suggests that Stephenson will be given a chance to prove himself once again in the off-season and he sees a future for himself as part of the Anfield first-team set-up.

Stephenson has got first-team ambitions

“The right-back has spent two seasons at Tannadice Park developing his game, and could be tempted to remain in Scotland, but plans to try his luck as part of the Liverpool squad,” the report reads.

He maintains hope according to the report of impressing Arne Slot and forcing his way into the squad - where he could cover Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong or any of the midfield positions.

Stephenson could be very useful to keep around

Stephenson has the right mindset to thrive at Liverpool and comes with that crucial homegrown status attached. We’ve seen so many academy prospects leave of late - including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Tyler Morton.

Stephenson has done enough to merit an audition at the very least to show he can provide utility to the Liverpool squad next season.

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