Daniel Adshead could be the Dele Alli transfer Liverpool never completed

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Joe Gomez is proof that there is a reason to go shopping in the Football League for Premier League clubs. Gomez arrived at Liverpool from Charlton Athletic whilst they were still in the Championship and he has proved to be a brilliant investment at just £3.5 million.

Liverpool should certainly be hunting in the lower leagues for another potential bargain. Dele Alli, at Tottenham, is another example of why.

So should Daniel Adshead be their next option?

The 17-year-old midfielder is currently the jewel in the crown at League One side Rochdale. The powers-at-be at Spotland have been trying to protect Adshead for some time now. However, his talent is now proving too good to ignore.

He started his first league game of the season at the weekend, putting in a fantastic central midfield display in a 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley. It was his 15th appearance of the season so far. His continued development also saw him win his first England under-18 credentials this month. He scored on debut against the Netherlands.

Adshead is clearly destined for the top. Liverpool would be wise to stop their rivals winning such a battle. The Sun recently reported that Liverpool are one of several teams tracking the player. Tottenham, Chelsea, Everton and foreign rivals Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also in the running.

“I’ve learnt my football here and this is where I believe I have the best chance of making myself a success.

“What’s most important to me is I’m getting game time in league football, not playing in academy games.”

– Daniel Adshead on why he’s wary of big move

Adshead has spoken of why he remains a Rochdale player. Clearly, he feels featuring regularly at Spotland makes more sense than playing in the under-23s at a top club.

But, like Alli did when heading to Spurs, a permanent deal which sees him loaned back to Rochdale would be an option Liverpool should consider.

Liverpool have been reaping the rewards of their similar Gomez swoop. They also still regret not beating Tottenham to Alli.

Adshead could be the man to follow Gomez’s footsteps and exorcise the Alli demons at Liverpool.