Celtic wanted to sign 21-year-old ‘super talent’ from Liverpool this month, deal was blocked

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Liverpool have moved to block an approach from Celtic in the transfer market.

The Reds have already done business with the Scottish giants this season, sending Nat Phillips to Parkhead on-loan.

That move didn’t work out in the end, and Phillips has since returned to Liverpool. But according to The Times, that didn’t put Celtic off from trying to snare another player from the Reds.

They claim that the Hoops actually wanted to sign left-back Owen Beck on a permanent deal in January. Having been doing well North of the border with Dundee, Beck had reportedly caught Celtic’s eye.

As a result they, along with Old Firm rivals Rangers, are said to have made inquiries with Liverpool over signing the 21-year-old. Although Celtic saw him as a permanent signing, it’s claimed that he would have been a back-up option for Brendan Rodgers. Rangers meanwhile reportedly wanted Beck on-loan as a first-team starter.

But Liverpool weren’t interested in losing the youngster. In fact, it’s claimed that the interest of Scottish football’s big two played a part in Beck being recalled to Anfield. Other factors are said to include the current injury situation at left-back, as well as Liverpool’s own scouting reports on Beck.

Liverpool rebuff Beck interest

In the long-term, perhaps this kind of move would be in Beck – and Liverpool’s – best interests.

The player’s stock is currently very high. After becoming a big hit at Dundee, there’s a chance the Reds could have got a decent fee for Beck.

When Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas return from injury, they’ll both likely still be ahead of the Wales U21 international in the pecking order. Unless Beck does something pretty extraordinary in their absence that is.

So, beyond this season, he’d maybe be better of moving up to Celtic and truly beginning his career.

But for now, Liverpool need him. Jurgen Klopp called him a ‘super talent’ [Manchester Evening News] ahead of last season and will have been impressed by what he’s seen since.

Joe Gomez has been doing a fine job recently and is without doubt Klopp’s best option right now. But with Luke Chambers looking unready for the senior team, Liverpool need a back-up.

From watching Beck, you can see that he’s learnt a lot from Robertson. The way he drives relentlessly forward is similar to the Scotland captain.

He’ll get some game time over the coming weeks and although his long-term future does seem to be away from Anfield, if he can do well, then all sorts of doors will open up. Beck’s been denied this time, but for a prize even bigger. Go out and smash it, Owen!