Leeds United casting eyes over Liverpool player | OneFootball

A Liverpool academy star is spending the week at Elland Road ahead of a potential move to Leeds United

Liverpool youngster Oakley Cannonier is currently on trial with Leeds United ahead of the end of the January transfer window.

According to The Athletic, the forward is spending this week at Elland Road, with the winter market set to close on Monday.

The 20-year-old is being looked at by the Whites, which could lead to a move to the Yorkshire outfit before the end of the window.

Cannonier previously played for Leeds at youth level before making the switch to Anfield in 2015.

Liverpool youngster on trial at Leeds

Cannonier is reportedly with Leeds for this week, with the club taking a closer look at the 20-year-old.

The forward’s development has been hampered by injury issues in recent years, which has led to him being unable to break into senior football so far in his career, with a place in Arne Slot's first team plans looking unlikely.

The Yorkshire native has been playing in the Premier League 2 for Liverpool over the last few seasons, and has scored three times in 13 appearances at that level.

It remains to be seen whether Leeds will be willing to make a move for Cannonier at this stage, with his trial likely to play a major role in that decision.

The Liverpool academy player has a contract with the Reds until the summer of 2026, having signed a long-term deal at the age of 18.

The most notable moment in Cannonier’s career so far came when he was the ball boy that handed Trent Alexander-Arnold the ball to take a corner quickly that led to Divock Origi’s goal against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semi-final.

Leeds United’s promotion ambition

Leeds United moved one point further ahead of Sheffield United at the top of the Championship table on Monday night.

A 0-0 draw against third place Burnley moved the Whites two points ahead of the Blades with 29 games played each.

Daniel Farke’s side are unbeaten in their last 11 league games, last suffering a defeat against Blackburn Rovers on 30 November.

Next up for Leeds is a home clash against Cardiff City on 1 February in a 3pm kick-off.

Cannonier trial can give Leeds a proper look

If Cannonier is going to sign for Leeds, then being able to bring him on trial to take a closer look at him should help give the club a clear idea of whether it’s a good idea or not.

His development has stalled with injury issues, but he could still grow into a quality player under the right circumstances and environment.

The forward isn’t likely to go anywhere near the first team immediately, but it could still prove a wise long-term investment for the Championship side.