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Liverpool scouts' mystery target
BY:RAY GATT
From:
The Australian
July 24, 2013 12:00AM
NO matter the result of tonight's exhibition match against Melbourne Victory, English giant Liverpool will not only walk away with thousands of new fans but could add another Australian to the list of those who have worn the famous red jersey.
As much as the focus of Liverpool's Asian tour is on its preparation for the new English Premier League season, which kicks off next month, the club has already taken the opportunity to gauge the junior football talent here.
And, according to Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, it appears it has uncovered a gem. But a gem destined to remain hidden, as the club refuses to reveal details of the young player.
Speaking with The Australian yesterday, the Northern Irishman admitted the club's head of recruitment had discovered a 15-year-old he has described as "absolutely outstanding".
"We are always looking to bring in great young talent and our head of recruitment may have found one," Rodgers said enthusiastically.
"I'm not sure where he drove to, but he watched a game outside of Melbourne.
"The pitch was not in the best condition, but he spotted a kid who was absolutely outstanding and he is just 15. That's the sort of talent you have here."
However, Liverpool officials were adamant last night they would not reveal any information about the youngster because they wanted to protect him at this stage and not alert other clubs to his talent.
Perhaps, in years to come, he could join the likes of Craig Johnston, Harry Kewell and, currently, goalkeeper Brad Jones who have worn the red shirt.
"It goes to show you just how good Australians are at sport," Rodgers said. "Clearly they have taken to many sports and football is one of them.
"I've seen the Australian game develop and improve drastically in the last 10 years or so."
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Evidently it's this kid:
Victorian teenager Jake Brimmer may realise his dream of playing for Reds
Ray Gatt
The Australian
December 10, 2013 12:00AM
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ENGLISH football giant Liverpool's visit to Australia earlier this year was not only a raging success on the field but off it as well with news the club is close to signing one of the country's rising stars.
Australia under-17s captain Jake Brimmer is on the brink of joining Craig Johnston, Harry Kewell, Brad Jones and Dean Bouzanis as those to have played for the famous Merseyside club.
At this stage, there is no confirmation of the deal from Liverpool's end. Brimmer, 16, recently posted an image on Facebook of himself in a Liverpool jersey, proclaiming: "My dream as a kid was to play for Liverpool, fair to say that dream has come true." The photo was taken during one of his two recent trials with the club.
The deal comes as no surprise.
In an interview with The Australian before the Reds' game against Melbourne Victory in July, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that the club's scouts had discovered a Victorian kid who was "a gem".
"We are always looking to bring in great young talent and our head of recruitment may have found one," Rodgers said. "I'm not sure where he (the scout) drove to, but he watched a game outside of Melbourne.The pitch was not in the best condition, but he spotted a kid who was absolutely outstanding. That's the sort of talent you have here."
Brimmer, a midfielder, is regarded as one of the best young talents in Australia.
Off the field he is described as a good kid who has his feet on the ground, knows what he wants and is at a stage of his football development where he needs to be challenged.
His father, Steve Brimmer, told The Australian the deal had not yet been done, but negotiations were at an advanced state.
"Yes, it is very exciting and we are happy, but there are a couple of little things that need to be sorted before it is a done deal," said Brimmer, who used to play in the Victorian Premier League.
He said he was aware of The Australian's story in July and confirmed it was his son Rodgers had been talking about.
Jake is expected to join Liverpool in July, once he has gained a European passport through his father's Maltese heritage.