Liverpool and Sunderland battle over Wickham

Liverpool and Sunderland are locked in a £12million signing battle for Ipswich's teenage striker Connor Wickham - the next young English talent on the verge of a seven-figure move this summer.

Kenny Dalglish is pushing the Anfield suits to make a splash for the powerful target-man, who has been on his radar for months - even before he became manager at the Kop.

However, Liverpool will have to move fast as Steve Bruce's Sunderland have tabled the first bid - £8m, potentially rising to £12m based on appearances and achievements.

Ipswich will sell the home-grown prospect, with boss Paul Jewell prepared to let him go and spend the cash - he is keen on bringing in some Liverpool fringe players as part of the deal, including Jonjo Shelvey on loan for a year.

However, Sunderland may be given permission to speak to Wickham shortly if Liverpool do not match their bid.

Sources close to Wickham reveal that he would like to go to Merseyside - even if that means being an understudy for the first year or two.

The move will be a major test of Liverpool's spending power.

They have invested heavily already this close-season on Sunderland's Jordan Henderson - and now his old club are using his transfer fee to try to beat them to their next target.

10 things you need to know about Connor Wickham plus video of him in action