Liverpool 'plot move for England Under 21 and Premier League star'

Liverpool are plotting a move for one of the Premier League's rising midfield stars after club scouts were left impressed, according to reports.

The Reds have established a strong six point lead at the top of the Premier League table during Arne Slot's debut season in charge and are expected to strengthen in the January transfer window.

A Sunday Anfield meeting with rivals Manchester United could see the Reds further strengthen their title charge and the table-toppers are already looking to the future as they target reinforcements.

Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is one of the players that could find themselves arriving on Merseyside in the not-too-distant future with Liverpool tracking the youngster, as reported by The Sun.

Anderson - who represents England at Under 21 level - only moved to the City Ground in the summer after Forest struck a deal with Newcastle for the midfield talent and is now being targeted for another Premier League move.

Liverpool have sent recruitment scouts to watch Anderson during Forest's last six games with Anderson starring as the club won five matches and lost just once against Manchester City.

The 22-year-old played a crucial role in each of those impressive victories and has started 14 Premier League matches this season as Forest sit in an unlikely third place in the league.

Anderson is currently contracted to Forest until 2029, but Liverpool chiefs are considering making a move shortly at risk of one of their rivals stealing a march.

His performances mean Liverpool will be expected to have to fork out a huge increase on the modest £35m that Forest previously paid to Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Anderson is keeping his feet firmly on the ground and currently remains fully focused on helping Forest qualify for the Champions League this season.

Speaking after the club's recent victory over Everton, Anderson said: 'Everyone dreams. We have a bit of banter every now and then and we chat about it.

'We're on some great momentum at the moment - it's four in a row and everyone is buzzing.

'Obviously, it is brilliant to be there but as everyone says we have to take it game by game.

'On paper, we've got some great players in the squad. It's all clicking. Everyone is full of confidence and we're going in the right direction.'