Reds snap up teenager Saric

Benitez: Saric swoop

Related links

Teams

• Liverpool

Players

• Nikola Saric

Also see

• Transfer Centre
• Paper Talk

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has beaten off strong competition from a number of clubs to sign Danish teenage striker Nikola Saric on a three-year-deal.

The 17-year-old former Herfolge player was thought to interest clubs such as Barcelona and Spurs.

But Benitez has won the race for the player, who was recently on trial with SC Heerenveen at the Otten Cup tournament, hosted by PSV Eindhoven.

Saric told Herfolge's official website: "Of course, I want to join Liverpool FC.

"I will get to train with the big names over there and develop in the reserves.

Tremendous chance

"It is a tremendous chance for me and I am very happy.

"Since I feel the time is right and that I am mature enough for a new challenge, we have been waiting for the right club to come with an offer."

Herfolge sports director Per Rud was also pleased to secure the deal with the Reds.

He said: "We have tried to protect Nikola as much as we could, but you can't control the media.

"It is unbelievable how many enquiries we have got on Nikola, but when it comes to serious negotiations, it has been far between them.

Proud

"We are happy and proud that Nikola will join one of the best clubs in the world.

"We are also happy that Herfolge have earned some money and we feel we have deserved that."

Saric was born in Sarajevo but is a Danish Under-18 international and was named Denmark's Under-17 Player of the Year in 2007.