Starlet wants Liverpool move despite bid

Sunderland have launched an £10million bid for Ipswich teenager Connor Wickham.

But it is doomed to failure with the Tractor Boys demanding £12million - and the youngster prepared to hold out for a more glamorous move.

Black Cats' boss Steve Bruce has made 18-year-old Wickham his No 1 summer signing target.

His is the first official bid in the race to snap up the England Under 21 international and it is set to spark a four-club auction for the youngster.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are also keen on the powerfully built striker who became Ipswich's youngest-ever player when he made his senior debut in April 2009, aged just 16 years and 11 days.

Sunderland are desperate to boost their attacking options after the £24m sale of England ace Darren Bent to Aston Villa in January.

Armed with the cash from that deal and Jordan Henderson's recent £20m move to Liverpool, they are not short of buying power.

But Wickham, who has netted 15 goals in 72 appearances - including 35 as a substitute - for Ipswich, has told friends he would prefer to join Liverpool.

Source: Daily Mail