The midfielder attacked his first team for the Rams in December and was highly praised by his manager
Liverpool are expected to complete the signing of 16-year-old Derby player Kaide Gordon, Rams manager Wayne Rooney has confirmed.
The midfielder attacked his first team in a 4-0 win over Birmingham in December, becoming the fourth youngest player ever to turn out for the first half. Derby first team.
Gordon, with England at under-16 level and described as “outstanding player” by Rooney, would initially sign as a pupil and would be eligible for a professional contract when he turns 17 in October.
When asked if Gordon was on his way out of Derby, Rooney told reporters: “It looks like that. Kaide is an exceptional player. I introduced him to the squad because it showed the qualities I want.
“It simply came to our notice then. As usual when a player does not sign up, if any of the major clubs in the Premier League come in, it is very difficult to deny the player that opportunity.
“There has been an offer for Kaide [from Derby] because before I have been in this position. He did not sign it for any reason. Liverpool have become aware of that and stepped in.
“Once a team like Liverpool comes in for one of your players it’s hard to turn that down.
“To improve it, of course I would like him to stay at the club, but I understand that as soon as the English heroes come in and I want to sign him, he is hard to refuse. ”
Rooney is in a better position than most to advise Gordon on the challenge of joining a major club at such a young age, having made his Everton debut at 16 and to enter Manchester United at 18.
The English legend spoke highly of Gordon’s level of work in training after giving him his first Derby tour at the age of 16, two months and 24 days.
“I brought up Kaide with the first team to first train with us for a week to see how he coped, and he was one of the best trainers,” Rooney said. RamsTV.
“I kept him with us for a week or two and he’s been training at the same level – if not better than many others. [first-team] players. As I said to the players, if you train hard and train well, I will give you your chance. He deserves it. ”