Bolton Wanderers are facing a battle to hold onto Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley - with a Championship club reportedly keen to acquire his services.
The 19-year-old right-back is currently on loan with the Trotters until the end of the season, but under the terms of his deal, can be recalled by the Reds at any point.
And according to the Lancashire Post, his performance levels have seemingly been noticed by Preston North End, with their Liverpool-supporting manager Ryan Lowe in attendance to watch Bradley in action against Burton Albion, in a game Bolton turned around to win 2-1 late on.
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Already a Northern Ireland international, the Reds youth prospect has been one of the most consistent performers for League One Wanderers but boss Ian Evatt now faces a challenge to hold onto him for the remainder of the season.
Preston have some leverage in their dealings with the Reds after defender Sepp van den Berg enjoyed a successful loan spell at Deepdale last season - a campaign that saw the Dutchman voted the club's Young Player of the Season.
But Bolton gaffer Evatt remains calm about the situation and has played down the chances of Bradley moving onto another club before his loan spell has run its time.
Speaking to the Bolton News, he said: “Liverpool are able to do it [recall him] but all the conversations that we’ve had is Conor is here for the season. Obviously, because of how well he has done there are going to be other suitors. But all we can do is give him all the support on and off the pitch that we’ve given him. We’ve given him a great opportunity.
“He’s repaid us with his performances. We like to think we’ve been and done very well for him as well, so hopefully the relationship continues but I don’t think we’re too worried about losing him in January.”
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