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Liverpool loan arranger: No move for Ben Woodburn but Ojo needs minutes

Liverpool's attitude toward loaning out youth players has changed considerably under the management of Jurgen Klopp.

When he arrived at Anfield in October 2015, the German manager was surprised to find 17 Liverpool players out on loan.

The following summer, the Merseyside club were extremely selective about the players they thought would benefit from a spell away, while they believed it would be best for other prospects to be nurtured at Melwood and the club's Kirkby academy.

With Liverpool already eyeing up deals in the transfer market to improve the squad, ESPN FC looks at what next season holds for certain prominent youngsters.

Ben Woodburn

Liverpool have been extremely careful with their youngest ever goal scorer, so it would appear unlikely that they would allow him to leave on loan this summer. Klopp has hinted that the 17-year-old will get further first-team opportunities next season.

Verdict: No loan.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold won Young Player of the Year at Liverpool's annual awards and, toward the end of the campaign, was pushing Nathaniel Clyne hard for the right-back spot. With Liverpool set to have a busier schedule next term, the 18-year-old could be in line for further appearances.

Verdict: No loan.

Harry Wilson

It was a remarkable season for Wilson. He scored 28 goals for Liverpool U23s and trained regularly at Melwood and returned to Wales' setup. However, despite his best efforts, Wilson only played 25 minutes of action for Klopp's side this season. With that in mind, it's hard to see him make a breakthrough in 2017-18.

Verdict: Loan. Sources have told ESPN FC that clubs have taken notice of Wilson's progress and a carefully selected loan move to the Championship or League One might be sought if first-team opportunities appear to be limited. Brentford are a Championship side that have been willing to take on Liverpool youngsters in the past.

Danny Ward

The on-loan shot-stopper was recently in the spotlight after he saved two penalties to take Huddersfield Town to the Championship playoff final. Ward has been capped by Wales three times and appeared in Euro 2016.

Verdict: Loan. Ward is simply too good to sit on the bench and play U23s football. He is thriving under David Wagner in Yorkshire and should stay there another year, regardless of the outcome at Wembley later this month. Although, it's entirely dependent on how Klopp views Liverpool's No. 2 goalkeeper, Loris Karius.

Marko Grujic

It's easy to forget that Grujic is still just 21, but his first season at Liverpool has been a frustrating one, with injuries limiting him to just eight appearances. Klopp is a fan of the Serbian and could keep him in reserve for next season with more games on the horizon.

Verdict: No loan.

Rhian Brewster

It's been a rapid rise for 17-year-old Brewster. He's gone from U18s striker to surprise inclusion in the first team's match-day squad in a matter of months. Staff at Liverpool's academy have extremely high hopes for the former Chelsea trainee, and it is likely they would want to develop him on their own terms.

Verdict: No loan.

Ovie Ejaria

The young midfielder made a surprise breakthrough after impressing in the preseason. Between September and late January, Ejaria, 18, made eight outings before his season was cut short by serious injury. Klopp trusted him on plenty of occasions and he was clearly improving as a result of his exposure at Melwood.

Verdict: No loan.

Sheyi Ojo

A stress fracture in his back has stunted Ojo's development. He made 11 first-team appearances last season, but was only been on the pitch twice for Liverpool throughout 2016-17.

Verdict: Loan. Ojo's performances toward the end of the 2015-16 campaign prove he can cut it at Premier League level. He would be likely to receive more opportunities at recently-promoted Newcastle United under Rafael Benitez than at Liverpool.

Ryan Kent

The winger has had two loan spells away from Liverpool and both have been successful. After spending this season at Barnsley, he was named the Championship side's Young Player of the Season.

Verdict: Loan or permanent deal. Barnsley might want to make Kent's stay at Oakwell a permanent one, but the Premier League's Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth are reported to retain an interest.

Cameron Brannagan

Brannagan enjoyed a successful spell at League One side Fleetwood Town after moving on loan in January.

Verdict: Loan or permanent deal. Championship clubs were sniffing around the promising midfielder last summer and there should be plenty of suitors again this transfer window.

Brooks Lennon

The American forward moved to Real Salt Lake on loan in February, scoring one goal in eight appearances in the MLS.

Verdict: Loan. Lennon has got a good thing going with RSL -- where he first started his professional career. It might be wise to extend his stay in Utah.