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Liverpool are closing in on the signature of MK Dons starlet Dele Alli.

Anfield chief Brendan Rodgers made a personal check on the youngster during the League One side’s FA Cup draw at Wigan on Saturday.

The England Under-17 midfielder is regarded as a “special” talent by Dons boss Karl Robinson, who admitted he has spoken to Rodgers about some of his prized assets.

Robinson revealed: “I know Brendan quite well and we speak about different players all the time.

“There may have been another reason why he was at the game today, but you’ve seen Dele and he’s special. Yeah, he did some silly things but he’s 17 years of age. He did bits of magic too.

“You don’t see many 17-year-olds playing in an FA Cup third round against a very good Wigan side and not looking out of place.

“I’m very proud of his development.”