Liverpool has confirmed the signing of Seventeen year old goalkeeper from Blakburn ahead of the summer window. However, he is not expected to be in the first team with the Reds fully covered in the goalkeeping position.
A statement on the Liverpool website read; The Preston-born player was previously with Blackburn Rovers. Winterbottom joined Blackburn initially as an U10 player and has impressed playing against the Reds on numerous previous occasions.
He will add depth to the U18 and U23 squads, and was an unused substitute for the U18s’ derby victory against Everton on Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, Virgil Van Dijk is expected to be fit for Liverpool’s clash against Southampton on Friday night. The Netherlands international picked up an ankle injury in the Reds dramatic victory over Spurs on Sunday evening.
The Red’s returned to the top of the Premier League table dramatic fashion. Roberto Firmnio put Jurgen Klopp’s side in front heading in a brilliant cross from Andy Robertson but Lucas Moura fired in from close range in the second half to draw Tottenham level.
With the game heading for a draw, Liverpool snatch the victory at the death thanks to Toby Alderweireld’s own goal. However, Virgil Van Dijk picked up an injury in the course of the match and that aroused fears he could miss a return to the Saint Mary’s.
But, according to ESPN, he should be fit for the encounter. Van Dijk, an ever-present in the league for Jurgen Klopp’s team this season, will be assessed by Liverpool’s medical staff at the club’s Melwood training ground on Monday, but sources have said that there is no sense of alarm over the Dutch international’s fitness.
The 27-year-old has been a crucial figure for Liverpool in their title challenge this season after becoming the world’s most expensive defender following his £75 million arrival from Southampton in Jan 2018.
Although he was limping heavily towards the end of the Spurs victory, Liverpool are confident Van Dijk suffered nothing more than bruising, rather than ligament damage, after receiving a kick on his right ankle.
Liverpool responded to Manchester City’s victory at Fulham on Saturday by reclaiming top spot in the Premier League, and restoring their two-point lead, thanks to Toby Alderweireld’s 89th minute own goal.
City can return to the top with a win against Cardiff at the Etihad on Wednesday, but Liverpool can end the week in first position with victory at St Mary’s, regardless of City’s result against Neil Warnock’s team.1England