Liverpool academy chief Alex Inglethorpe has explained their deal for Brentford striker Joe Hardy.
The Wirral-born striker made the switch to Brentford in 2017 and went on to score 40 goals in 80 appearances for the Championship club's B side, finishing top scorer last season.
Inglethorpe believes the player will add extra competition to the striking ranks at U23 level.
He said: “Joe is a good goalscorer and we think he can have an impact on our U23s, and from there it's up to him.
“He's got a fantastic goalscoring pedigree and there's an opportunity for him to come in and make a claim for a shirt.
“He's a local boy and he's of interest but it's up to him how far he progresses."