OXFORD United have clinched the loan signing of Liverpool starlet Ben Woodburn.

The 19-year-old forward arrives on a season-long loan deal which gives the U’s a welcome boost following the sale of Gavin Whyte this afternoon.

Woodburn, who has inherited the No 10 shirt from the Northern Ireland international, cannot wait to get started.

He said: “First of all I heard about it from Liverpool.

“They said they thought this was a good club for me to go to at this stage in my career. Obviously I agreed and I’m just happy to be here now.

“Coming to League One will definitely help my career. I’m just here to try to get games and help the team.”

The deal includes a recall clause in January, something Liverpool triggered last season when Woodburn struggled to break into an in-form Sheffield United team following an injury.

United boss Karl Robinson has been frustrated in the transfer market in recent weeks, but is thrilled to get this deal over the line.

He said: “Ben can play off the left, in behind a striker or as a striker who comes and gets it to feet, so he plays in three really key positions for us.

“He’s such a talented individual.

“Liverpool had some offers from Championship clubs, but they felt our style and the way we press was of a level that supported his growth.

“We’re getting a full Welsh international who plays off Gareth Bale. He’s scored at the Kop End at Anfield aged 16.

“Not many have a CV like that at 17.”

Woodburn has been involved with Jurgen Klopp’s first team in pre-season and featured for them in tour matches in the United States against Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla.

Oxford Mail:

  • Ben Woodburn celebrates becoming Liverpool's youngest scorer in 2016  Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

He burst on to the scene in 2016 after breaking Michael Owen’s record as Liverpool’s youngest-ever scorer, aged 17 years and 45 days.

The following season Woodburn hit the headlines again with a spectacular winner on his senior Wales debut, against Austria.