Liverpool have been backed to beat Chelsea to the signing of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, while teenager Trey Nyoni has been tipped for a bright future after impressing in the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.
Reds backed to win Scott race
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has given his approval for the 23-year-old to seal a move to Anfield, believing Liverpool's stability makes them a more appealing option than Chelsea. Scott attracted plenty of attention from leading Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window, but Bournemouth refused to part with their prized asset despite receiving multiple offers from Chelsea.
Chelsea are expected to return for the England international in January, with a deal potentially costing as much as £80million.
"As of today, I'd have to say Liverpool [over Chelsea]," Johnson said when asked which of the two teams Scott should join. "That's not necessarily due to him getting more game-time or anything like that, but I'm saying it more from the perspective of Liverpool as a club being a lot more stable and they're going in a better direction.
"I'd choose Liverpool purely for stability, but I'm not sure which club he'd get more game-time at to be honest. You can certainly understand why both clubs are interested in him though."
Nyoni tipped for the top
Rio Ngumoha has tipped Liverpool youngster Trey Nyoni for a bright future after being impressed by his team-mate's performance against Chelsea, insisting the "sky is the limit" for the midfielder. Nyoni was handed a rare start on Wednesday and took full advantage, delivering an outstanding display against a formidable Chelsea midfield featuring Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
The 19-year-old's performance caught the eye, but Ngumoha believes supporters have yet to see the best of him. "Trey is top," Ngumoha said. "You guys haven't even seen him at his very best yet. He definitely has another level to go and he's only 19."
He added: "The sky is the limit for Trey. I'm really happy he's getting the minutes to show himself, but also everyone else, how good he is."
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola was also pleased with what he saw from the teenager, highlighting the value of playing in high-pressure cup matches against elite opposition. "I think he has done very well. Really well," said the Liverpool boss. "It's good for the young players especially to have these experiences in cup competitions, where if you lose, you're out.
"We were losing and then drew level. They weren't involved in the penalty shootout, but they experienced those feelings. They played under pressure against a very good team. And Trey finished physically in a good place, so well done to him."
The victory over Chelsea was Liverpool's fifth consecutive win since a 3-0 loss to Manchester City earlier this month, keeping their Wembley ambitions alive after progressing to the quarter-finals via a 6-5 penalty shootout.
