Liverpool Edge Out United in Prodigious Striker Chase

Liverpool have beaten Manchester United to the signature of Wycombe starlet Jordan Ibe, the youngster's club has confirmed, with the 16 year old set to make the move to Merseyside in January.

Ibe has shown talent beyond his years in League One, and after scoring on his first professional start for Wycombe, the wonderkid became hot property for England's biggest clubs.

Both Manchester United and Liverpool showed interest, but Liverpool look to have won the race over their fierce rivals, with Wycombe manager Gary Waddock confirming the move.

"It's a fantastic move for him (to Liverpool)," he said, as reported by Talksport. "He's a phenomenal talent which is why we gave him a chance to show what he can do at first-team level.

"Obviously we wanted to keep him, but we didn't want to stand in the way of an opportunity he deserves.

"I have no doubt in my mind that he will go on to become a big star and I will be keeping a close eye on his progress. I would like to wish him and his family all the best for the future."

Liverpool have been chasing a host of younger players as they look to rebuild and create a side capable of challenging for trophies both in England and abroad.

Most recently, Dalglish has been checking on Irish starlet Rory Donnelly, with the 19 year old currently in talks with Swansea over a move to the Premier League in the next transfer window.

The victory over United will bring Liverpool some comfort as the rivalry between the two clubs grows stronger; Luis Suarez was last night found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra, and after the Reds released a statement backing Suarez, tensions are hotter than ever between the two northern clubs.

Ibe has only made 11 appearances for Wycombe's senior team, but after his performances for the youth team, which he was a part of since the age of 12, fans will be watching the Southwark-born youngster closely in Liverpool's youth team, with big things expected of him at Anfield.