Young duo set for Reds move

Liverpool are set to raid the transfer market in January, but are hoping to land two of the country's emerging young stars in Adam Barton and Marvin Sordell rather than the big-money superstars many fans crave.

Despite stepping back from speculation linking the club with at least one world-class player this month, Liverpool have stopped short of denying they are tracking both players with a view to making bids for them.

Striker Sordell, 19, has been in impressive form for Championship side Watford this term, scoring nine goals including two in their recent five-match winning streak over Christmas and New Year.

Meanwhile, central midfielder Barton is regarded as one of the top teenage stars outside the Premier League and is thought to be on the radar of several top-flight clubs this month.

A combined fee in the region of £8million would be a significant outlay for two players who remain largely untested in top-rated competitions.

However, new Reds owner John W Henry had warned fans shortly after taking over that he would look to build the squad and the first-team through a long-termist strategy.

He said in November he would be looking to sign younger players with lots of potential, rather than spending significant sums on more established names.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.