Two of English football's biggest clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool, have registered their interest in signing Sheffield Wednesday's highly-rated teenage defender, Yisa Alao.
Financial Crisis Sparks Premier League Interest
The Championship side, mired in a severe financial crisis and desperately seeking new owners, faces a fight to keep hold of its young talent. Premier League scouts have identified an opportunity, with 17-year-old Alao yet to sign a professional contract at Hillsborough.
The Doncaster-born left-back has caught the eye with a series of impressive performances at youth level, which earned him a first-team debut in the Carabao Cup back in August when he was just 16. His league bow followed earlier this month, as a late substitute in a 3-0 defeat to Derby County.
Bargain Fee for Top Flight Clubs
Discussions between the clubs are believed to have centred on potential offers in the region of £450,000 for the young defender. Sources suggest other top-flight sides are also monitoring the situation closely, waiting to see if Wednesday's precarious position forces a sale.
Alao's rise saw him replace Harry Amass in that Derby match, a player who is himself on loan from one of his suitors, Manchester United, highlighting the rapid pathway from youth football to the senior game.
Wednesday's Fight on Two Fronts
Sheffield Wednesday's troubles extend far beyond the pitch. The South Yorkshire club is rooted to the bottom of the Championship table on minus nine points after a series of punishing deductions.
The club was initially hit with a 12-point penalty in October after filing for administration. The English Football League then imposed a further six-point deduction for breaches of its regulations. This leaves the Owls a daunting 29 points adrift of safety, with Portsmouth currently occupying 21st place.
In a further concern for the club, they are also trying to secure fellow 17-year-old prospect Will Grainger, a striker who is also attracting attention from Premier League clubs, to a professional deal. The battle to retain their brightest academy products is becoming increasingly difficult amid the ongoing ownership and financial turmoil.
