Middlesbrough and Newcastle battle for Liverpool hotshot winger Ojo
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Middlesbrough and Newcastle United are both hoping to sign Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo on a loan.
The 20-year-old winger is entering a critical phase of his career, and needs first-team football.
A back injury hampered Ojo’s progress last term, and he made just two appearances under Jurgen Klopp, both in the FA Cup.
The Hemel Hempstead-born ace had been hoping to kick on from his breakthrough 2015-16 campaign.
Handed 13 appearances by the Reds two seasons ago, Ojo burst onto the scene and netted a superb goal in Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Exeter.
He also impressed when handed a Premier League start against Stoke, providing an assist for Daniel Sturridge.
So after last season’s set-back, Ojo is seeking crucial match action, albeit away from Anfield.
Middlesbrough are returning to life in the Championship, but have brought in the highly-rated Garry Monk to succeed Aitor Karanka.
As for Newcastle, they’re preparing to return to the Premier League, though tales persist that Rafael Benitez isn’t entirely happy with the Magpies’ transfer success.
It’s believed both sides have a solid chance of acquiring Ojo on a temporary basis, but the key issue will be who can offer the winger greater first team football.
On that basis, it looks like Middlesbrough will have the edge, though it’s Newcastle who can allow the 20-year-old to test himself at the top.
Whoever wins out, they’ll be landing one of the brightest prospects to come out of Liverpool’s youth academy in recent times.
Ojo has enjoyed success on the international stage too, appearing for England at every level from U16 to U20, and he was a part of the squad which won the U20 World Cup this summer.
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