Liverpool snubbed by ‘next Erling Haaland’ as Norwegian prodigy Andreas Schjelderup joins Benfica instead in £12.5m deal

LIVERPOOL have reportedly missed out on a deal to sign the “next Erling Haaland”.

This is because 18-year-old sensation Andreas Schjelderup has moved to Benfica.

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Andreas Schjelderup has scored 10 goals in 17 games for Nordsjalland[/caption]

Schjelderup, who plays for Danish side Nordsjælland, has reportedly agreed to move to Portugal for £12.5million plus 20 per cent of any future sale.

Benfica representatives are apparently set to fly to Copenhagen to finalise the deal.

And Fabrizio Romano has revealed the winger was the subject of interest from Liverpool.

He indicated there were “concrete talks” between the two parties, but that ultimately Benfica was deemed to be the “best step” in his fledgling career.

The Norway U21 star has lit up the Danish league this season, scoring 10 goals in 17 appearances.

The transfer will make him the second most expensive Norwegian teenager ever, after none other than Manchester City ace Haaland – who Liverpool also missed out on.

Brentford, who have a host of Scandanavian talent, were also interested in a transfer along with clubs from Belgium, Holland, Spain and Germany, as reported by TV2.

Jurgen Klopp‘s side have already signed Cody Gakpo this January, with the Dutchman making his full debut in the controversial FA Cup tie against Wolves.

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And despite claims there could be “investment” in January, Liverpool have failed to make any new additions, with fans and Jamie Carragher critical over not signing a new midfielder – though a £44m bid for Matheus Nunes was rejected.

Indeed, owners FSG confirmed they were considering selling the club if the right offer came in.