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Liverpool have pulled off a coup by completing the signing of highly-rated Ajax teenager Ki-Jana Hoever.

The 16-year-old full-back had attracted interest from a host of top European clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.

However, the opportunities given to youngsters by Jurgen Klopp convinced Hoever that Anfield was the right place to continue his development.

As the Netherlands youth international had yet to sign a professional contract in his homeland, Liverpool only have to pay Ajax a nominal compensation fee.

He has been training with Barry Lewtas' under-18s squad at the Kirkby Academy but won't be able to make his competitive debut for the Reds until he's granted international clearance. The paperwork is expected to be done by the end of the month.

Hoever was rated as one of the biggest talents at Ajax's Academy and they are devastated to lose him. He has played most of his football at right-back but his long-term future is likely to be as a centre-back.

(Image: Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images)

He started out in the youth ranks at AZ Alkmaar before moving on to Ajax in 2014. Hoever played 13 times and scored two goals in the Under-17 Eredivisie last season.

The rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool is a source of inspiration for him. The 19-year-old Scouser has gone from playing under-18s football to being the club's first choice right-back and playing in the Champions League final inside three years.

Hoever knows there is a clear pathway to the first-team squad with Klopp at the helm. He will start off with the under-18s but is expected to quickly progress to the under-23s.