Transfer News: Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea tracking Luke Matheson

Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are reportedly taking a keen interest in Luke Matheson, who has already made his first-team debut for Rochdale.

The Daily Mail are reporting that Luke Matheson is generating quite a bit of interest in his services. The Rochdale youngster made his first-team debut earlier in the season and seems to have caught the attention of Manchester United and Liverpool, who are following the youngster’s development.

Luke Matheson has already been making waves in English football. The player was already part of the first-team training at Rochdale from the age of 14, with manager Keith Hill spotting his talent early on. Matheson was attracting the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea even before 2018.

Now in his eleventh year of his formal education at Trinity High School, Manchester, the right-back became the youngest debutant for Rochdale as he came on as early as the 13th minute to feature in the club’s 2-1 win over local rivals Bury in the Checkatrade Trophy.

If the debut wasn’t enough, Matheson was adjudged the Man of the Match, adding another feather to his nascent proverbial cap. With such a start, interest was guaranteed to arrive from the top English clubs. Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton are all said to be taking a keen interest in the 15-year-old.

Luke Matheson is 15 & only started back at school yest after summer hols. Last night he had to come on for Rochdale at right-back after 15 mins as they beat Bury 2-1.
Won MOTM & left seasoned obsevers shaking their heads at how astonishingly good he was. Big future ??⚽️ pic.twitter.com/XYFSHJeUki

— Greg O’Keeffe (@GregOK) September 5, 2018

Manchester United have undertaken a rigorous youth recruitment program, one which is starting to bear fruit, with many stars making their way into the Under-23 squad and even training with the first-team. Tahith Chong was a part of the pre-season tour while the likes of Angel Gomes and Nishan Burkart are seen as prodigious talents.

Liverpool, on the other hand, seem to be finally getting back on their usual track of recruiting youngsters from within the region. The Reds have been reported to be close to striking a deal to sign Luca Stephenson from Sunderland. Chelsea are famous for poaching bright talents while Everton have also been looking to strengthen their academy setup.

Luke Matheson is the latest to emerge from Rochdale’s academy setup. Daniel Adshead was the previous record-holder for the youngest debut and the youngster was also linked to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

The young midfielder penned a new deal earlier in the week – his first professional contract – and Rochdale would hope to repeat the feat with Matheson when he becomes eligible.

As of now, the focus should be on giving Matheson the best surroundings to flourish. Judging by the comments of the manager and the player itself, it seems the answer is Rochdale, at least for the time being.