Liverpool scout Norwegian Rooney

Reports in Norway suggest that Liverpool have been sending scouts to monitor the performance of promising young striker Marcus Pedersen.

The 5.9ft hitman impressed last season, scoring 10 goals in 24 appearances for Norwegian side Stromsgodset and has looked even better in 2010, claiming six goals and two assists in the opening 15 games.

His bustling style and raw power have seen Pedersen dubbed Norway's answer to Wayne Rooney.

It has been rumoured that Celtic, Newcastle and Serie A clubs have been interested in the 20-year-old in the recent past and Pedersen went on trial at Liverpool in 2006.

Now, Norwegian daily Dagbladet claims that Liverpool sent a scout to watch Pedersen play yesterday for Stromsgodset against Haugesund.  Pedersen suffered a groin injury during the game, but still got on the scoresheet.

Pedersen burst onto the scene for his local second division side HamKam, making his debut in a friendly aged 14.  He was recently featured as an IMScouting player to watch.

Stromsgodset official and former Sheffield United player, Jostein Flo commented: "There are several clubs who have followed him for a long time.  But we have not yet received any bids for him."

Liverpool have shown a recent appetite for bringing young talent to Anfield with the signings of Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling.

Pedersen is contracted to Stromsgodset for another year and a half and is rated as one of the hottest prospects in Scandinavia.

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