Red Bull Salzburg has intensified their efforts to sign Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clark by making an offer of approximately €9.6 million (£8.2m, $10.5m).
The Austrian club, led by former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders, is keen on securing the 19-year-old English youth international on a permanent basis.
Despite their latest bid falling short of Liverpool’s valuation, discussions between the two clubs are ongoing, with Salzburg hoping for a compromise.
Clark was absent from the recent US pre-season tour due to a back issue but has since resumed training at Kirkby.
Initially, Liverpool was contemplating a loan move for Clark, with Championship clubs Norwich City, Leeds United, Sheffield United, and Coventry City expressing interest.
However, Salzburg's persistence has now opened the possibility of a permanent transfer.
Clark, who joined Liverpool’s academy from Newcastle United in 2021, made significant progress last season with 12 senior appearances under Jurgen Klopp. The interest from Salzburg is unsurprising given his development under the coaching of Lijnders and Vitor Matos, who is now Lijnders' assistant.
Nevertheless, Liverpool is firm that a sale will only be considered in the coming weeks if they receive an offer that reflects Clark's potential and market value compared to similar players.
The Merseyside club kicks off the new Premier League season against newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday.