Liverpool close to capturing Bilbao starlet

Liverpool are set to bolster their youth ranks with a move for Athletic Bilbao prospect Mikel Zaton, according to reports in Spain.

Zaton, 16, has bagged 25 goals in 28 games for Athletic’s youth side this season, including five hat-tricks.

The young forward is also attracting the interest of Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, but Basque newspaper EL Correo reports that Liverpool have already entered negotiations with Athletic over Zaton.

Athletic are famed for their high-quality production line, having developed current first-teamers Iker Muniain, Markel Susaeta, and Andoni Iraola.