Of the 14 players Liverpool sent on loan this season, interest surrounded Ben Woodburn more than most.

Still just 18, and still the club's youngest-ever goalscorer, the Welshman headed to Sheffield United with the hope of establishing himself at Championship level.

Aston Villa were keen on securing Woodburn's services for the 2018/19 campaign, with Liverpool having already rejected a loan offer from Wigan Athletic.

But it was the Blades, and their highly-respected boss Chris Wilder, who convinced the Reds that their young talent was best suited to Bramall Lane this season.

Under boss Wilder, Sheffield United won League One in 2017 and finished an impressive 10th in the Championship last season, just six points adrift of the play-offs.

Jurgen Klopp believes Woodburn will be challenging regularly for a Liverpool first-team berth in 18 months and will benefit from regular football at a good level, and was delighted with the Wales international's contribution during the pre-season tour of America this summer.

Watch Klopp discuss Ben Woodburn last October:

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Klopp on the prospect of first team football for Ben Woodburn

Yet the German boss could be afforded a quizzitive glance towards South Yorkshire after Woodburn was omitted from the squad for the second consecutive game.

Woodburn was a notable absentee as Sheffield United beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 to move into third in the Championship.

It represents a growing trend for the teenager, who also missed out entirely against Millwall at the weekend.

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In fact, the Liverpool loanee has managed just 13 minutes of playing time - as a substitute against Birmingham - in United's last six league games.

His only 90 minutes came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Hull City in August, and he has failed to feature for more than 45 minutes in any of his five league appearances so far.

With Sheffield United doing so well, he may be waiting a little while longer for his chance.

"There is no pressure from any of the clubs to play any of their players," Wilder said soon after signing Woodburn. "Would they like them to play? Of course they would. I am not sure that Liverpool want Ben to play 46 games in the Championship at 18, though, if I am honest with you."

Last month, Wilder talked up Woodburn's contribution.

"He's doing well and he's been a big part in the results we've achieved so far," he said.

"He's got a great attitude, he's a really good professional and he's fitted in really well to the group.

"This is probably the first time he's been involved day in day out so that was bound to take some adjusting too.

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He is, however, in the Wales squad for the upcoming internationals against Spain and Republic of Ireland.

Liverpool will no doubt hope he gets some much-needed playing time then, for his wait in Sheffield goes on.