Liverpool has “started talks” with a winger that PSG, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund were interested in.

Jaden Philogene, a highly-touted young player from Aston Villa who “surprised” Unai Emery during preseason, is reportedly interested in joining Liverpool.

Jaden Philogene, a 21-year-old winger for Aston Villa, may be the latest player on these shores to be targeted by Liverpool’s recruitment team after the Reds reportedly spoke with his representatives.

Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho from Fulham and Kaide Gordon from Derby County are perhaps the most notable examples of recent Reds’ emphasis on signing top young prospects in English football.

Jurgen Klopp may now be keeping an eye on Villa’s Philogene, according to Anfield Watch. According to their report, Liverpool and the player’s agents have had discussions. It is asserted that a key factor in drawing interest is Philogene’s versatility, which allows him to operate on either wing.

The attacking player, who was born in London, joined the Villa academy in January 2018 and progressed through the ranks over three years before re-signing his contract in 2021 to fend off interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund, according to reports. In the 2-1 victory over Tottenham two months later, he would make his Premier League debut as a substitute.

The Villans have loaned their prodigy to the Championship for the past 18 months, giving game time the highest priority. He played for Stoke City for the majority of the 2021/22 season, making 11 appearances as a left winger and scoring one goal.

The season after that saw a one-year stint with Cardiff City, who offered more flexibility in terms of positioning. In his 39 appearances across all competitions during his time in Wales, Philogene played both right and left, further forward in attack or withdrawn as part of a midfield. He also had five goals and one assist.

His second-tier performances reportedly attracted interest from clubs across Europe; clubs like RC Lens, Anderlecht, and Union Berlin reportedly kept an eye on him. Fenerbache, a Turkish club, reportedly made an even stronger bid for Philogene this summer, only to have it “rejected.”.

Leon Bailey was given an extended summer break during this preseason, so Unai Emery was eager to see what the England Under-20 international could offer. By all accounts, Philogene took advantage of the opportunity by starting four out of Villa’s five friendlies.

The club’s recent tour of the United States, according to the Spanish manager, included his winger as “the most positive surprise,” but he also said a decision needed to be made about his future. It will be interesting to see how the rumored Liverpool interest in Philogene affects the decision.