Wayne Rooney has confirmed Derby youngster Kaide Gordon is set to join champions Liverpool after turning down a deal to stay under him.
Gordon, 16, made his debut when he came off the bench in Derby's 4-0 Championship victory over Birmingham at St Andrew's on December 29.
At 16 years two months and 24 days, Gordon is the fourth youngest player in the Rams' history after Mason Bennett, Lee Holmes and Steve Powell.
Liverpool are in talks to land the attacking midfielder and England U16 international this year as a scholar with a view to giving him a professional deal when he turns 17 in October.
Rams boss Rooney doesn't want to lose Gordon who was named County's academy player of the year last season and has been likened to Kop star Mohamed Salah.
But, asked if Gordon was on his way to Anfield, Derby boss Rooney, in sole charge since November, reflected: “It looks that way.
“Kaide is fantastic player. I brought him into the first team squad because he was showing the qualities I want.
“We offered him a deal which he didn't take.
“As always when a player doesn't sign up, if any of the big clubs in the Premier League come in, it is very difficult to deny the player that opportunity.
“There has been an offer for Kaide since before I have been in this role.
“He hasn't signed it for whatever reasons. Liverpool have become aware of that and stepped in.
“Once a team like Liverpool come in for one of your players it is hard to turn that down.
“For his development of course I would have liked him to stay at the club.
“But I understand once the champions of England come in and want to sign you, it is difficult to turn it down.”
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