Liverpool in race for European wonderkid

Liverpool are the latest high-profile club to be linked with a move for Belgian starlet Romelu Lukaku.

The 17-year-old Anderlecht striker has been on the radar of Europe's elite for a few seasons now, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is the latest Premier League manager to apparently run-the-rule over the player.

Heavily linked with Chelsea in the past, Didier Drogba is thought to have previously spoken to the player in a bid to entice him to Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku, dubbed 'the new Drogba' himself, has also been linked with Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Spurs and Arsenal during his relatively short career.

A prodigy in his current club's youth academy, the striker made his debut in 2009 and has scored 22 goals in 48 Belgian Pro League matches. At international level, a brace in last night's friendly win against Russia provided a hint of Lukaku's quality, with seven caps to his name already.

Liverpool will undoubtedly face competition for the player's signature should they make a move in January, although Irish website JOE.ie place the Anfield club in pole position to land the player.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is renowned for bringing the best out of young talent at the Emirates, and he too could consider a move for the player as the Gunners look to challenge on several fronts this season.

Chelsea will also be monitoring the situation, with Carlo Ancelotti keen to continue strengthening the current champions.

It is the Reds who are possibly most in need of the player's services though, with Hodgson thought to be searching for a new attacking foil for Fernando Torres at Liverpool. Lukaku could fit the bill nicely.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.