Liverpool are ready to offer £10 million for Southampton teen Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Guardian says the 17 year-old is regarded by many at Southampton, and Liverpool's scouting department, as a better prospect than Theo Walcott was at the same age.
Liverpool have not yet made an offer for Oxlade-Chamberlain, the second youngest player to feature for Southampton behind Walcott, but the club's new owners, Fenway Sports Group, are willing to meet the south coast club's £10m valuation.
FSG, advised by Liverpool's director of football strategy Damien Comolli, want to invest in young and coveted talent, and the teenager's arrival would serve as a statement of the new owner's intent should he choose Anfield over long-term suitors Arsenal.
