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Liverpool step up chase for Norway sensation Odegaard

Teenage midfielder Martin Odegaard has visited Liverpool's training ground as he considers a move away from Norwegian club Stromgodset.

Odegaard had a run-out at the club's Melwood training base as part of the trip as he considers his future options, sources have told ESPN.

The prodigy, who turns 16 on December 17, has made similar trips to Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United in the past. Odegaard is Norway's youngest senior international, having made his debut aged 15 years and 253 days in a friendly against the United Arab Emirates in Stavanger on August 27.

He then became the youngest player to feature in a European Championship qualifier when he appeared as a substitute in a 2-1 victory over Bulgaria on October 13.

The midfielder has been accompanied on the trip to Merseyside by his father Hans Erik Odegaard, who played more than 200 league games for Stromgodset and who is now assistant manager of Norwegian second-tier side Mjondalen.

Both are self-confessed Liverpool fans, but the teenager told German magazine Sport Bild in November that he was considering several options.

He said then: "Liverpool have always been my dream club. But I will not let this affect my decision when I choose a new club. It's all about finding the team that is best for me and for my development. That is not necessarily Liverpool."

Odegaard Sr told Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang in July that more than 30 clubs had asked about his son.

Speaking after Liverpool's 1-0 defeat against Real Madrid in a Champions League fixture on Noember. 4, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers described Odegaard junior as "a wonderful talent".

Rodgers said: "I know he's a big talent, at that age to be playing senior football at 15 and in a competitive league. He's got wonderful ability and wonderful talent."

This article originally appeared on ESPN FC

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