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Liverpool will consider letting Ben Woodburn leave on loan in January – but only to a club able to offer him the chance to start competitive matches.

The 18-year-old has found first-team opportunities at Anfield hard to come by this season, as the Reds look to progress at home and abroad.

Though rated very highly by Jurgen Klopp and his staff, Woodburn has featured just once this term – a 45-minute sub appearance in the Carabao Cup defeat at Leicester back in September.

His form for the U23s and, in particular, Steven Gerrard's U19 side in the UEFA Youth League show the Welshman is continuing to develop apace.

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But with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Dominic Solanke, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Ings all competing for attacking places over the next few months, the club are ready to entertain the idea of a short-term loan, most likely to a Championship club.

That was an idea that was off the table in the summer, when a number of clubs enquired. But it is believed that Woodburn's long-term development may benefit from a loan – if he can start games regularly.

Liverpool have had mixed results with their loans of late. Sheyi Ojo, for example, is playing regularly at Fulham having overcome a shoulder injury, but Ryan Kent has had minimal playing time with Freiburg in Germany.

Woodburn would have no shortage of takers, given his performances for Wales and during his 10 senior outings for Liverpool.

Sunderland boss Chris Coleman was the man who gave him his senior international bow, but Liverpool must consider whether a relegation dogfight is the best place for their precocious young talent.

Likewise, a club chasing promotion may find it harder to offer opportunities – and patience – to a loan player, particularly one so young.

There is likely to be some interest from lower-half Premier League clubs, too. Liverpool, though, will take their time before committing to any deal.