Striker Ben Woodburn is the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool's history

The 18-year-old has been compared to Wales and Liverpool legend Ian Rush

But first-team chances have been rare with Liverpool's frontline thriving

Liverpool forward Ben Woodburn is set to spark a transfer scramble in January after Jurgen Klopp ruled he can go on loan in order to gain regular first-team experience.

Woodburn, 18, earned comparisons with fellow Welshman Ian Rush after becoming the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool's history against Leeds in the League Cup last season.

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He also hit the winner for his country against Austria in September to become their second-youngest scorer behind Gareth Bale.

Jurgen Klopp is happy for Ben Woodburn to leave Liverpool on a loan deal in January

Klopp believes striker Woodburn would benefit from frequent first-team action

Despite making nine previous senior appearances for Liverpool, Woodburn's only outing for his club this season came in an EFL Cup defeat at Leicester and he faces tough competition for places from Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge, Dominic Solanke, Adam Lallana and Danny Ings.

Klopp has therefore decided Woodburn's development will be better-served playing first-team football elsewhere and he can look for a loan club once the transfer window opens.

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Though no agreement has yet been reached with another club, it is believed the Championship is the likeliest destination for Woodburn.

His former international manager Chris Coleman is in charge of Sunderland with Coleman once saying: 'He has all the attributes to go on and become a great player.'

However, there has also been reported interest in recent weeks from Huddersfield Town, Leeds United and Bundesliga side Hannover.

Woodburn eclipsed Michael Owen's record as Liverpool's youngest scorer last season

He also became Wales' second-youngest scorer with a winning goal against Austria this year

Woodburn, who lives near Chester by the Welsh border, chose to play for Wales instead of England. He scored his first Liverpool goal aged 17 years, 45 days to take the record from Michael Owen.

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'I've known Ben since he was 12 or 13. He's a huge talent. The lad is going to be world-class,' said former Liverpool and Wales idol Rush.

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Woodburn has earned a reputation for versatility in his short career to date, and has played up front, as a No 10 or out wide.