LONDON, ENGLAND - Friday, August 26, 2016: Liverpool's Connor Randall in action against Arsenal during the FA Premier League 2 Under-23 match at the Emirates Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Barnsley make enquiry to take Liverpool U23s right-back Connor Randall on loan

Lacking first-team action this season, Liverpool U23s right-back Connor Randall could join Barnsley on loan before the end of January.

Randall made seven appearances for the Reds in 2015/16, across the Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup, as well as featuring on the bench 20 times, including in the Europa League.

But this season, the 21-year-old has found himself behind both Nathaniel Clyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order.

This has limited him to just two appearances on the bench, most recently in Liverpool’s 1-0 win away to Plymouth Argyle in their FA Cup third-round replay, instead turning out for the U23s.

However, at his age Randall is in need of regular senior football, and according to the Mail, this could come with Barnsley.

“Klopp has told 21-year-old Randall he’ll be allowed out to gain first-team experience,” they claim, with the Tykes having enquired as to the defender’s availability.

Preston North End are also suggested as a possible destination for Randall, having failed to sign him in a similar deal in the summer.

Dropping down to the Championship would provide Randall with the best opportunity to secure to minutes he requires to continue his development—and avoid stagnating in Premier League 2.

FLEETWOOD, ENGLAND - Wednesday, July 13, 2016: Liverpool's Connor Randall in action against Fleetwood Town during a friendly match at Highbury Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Randall is a competent all-round right-back, strong in the tackle and able to push up the flanks to provide attacking support, but lacks the quality of Clyne or the potential of Alexander-Arnold.

The latter’s emergence as a genuine first-team option has been a revelation this season, with Alexander-Arnold not looking out of place in any of his six appearances for the Reds so far.

This included his full Premier League debut away to Manchester United earlier in January, overcoming a shaky start to successfully quell the threat of Anthony Martial.

He assisted Divock Origi‘s goal in November’s 2-0 win at home to Leeds United in the League Cup quarter-finals, and is likely to enjoy more game time as the season unfolds in 2017.

Barnsley already have one Liverpool player on the books in Ryan Kent, with the winger scoring an excellent goal as Paul Heckingbottom’s side secured a 3-2 victory at home to Leeds on Saturday evening.

Kent has played on the left wing in each of his 29 appearances for Barnsley so far, with his spell at Oakwell one of the only genuine successes of Liverpool’s loanees this season.

Randall won’t be the only Reds player to move on loan this month, with Pedro Chirivella (Go Ahead Eagles) and Lazar Markovic (Hull City) already departed, and Brooks Lennon (Real Salt Lake) also set to leave.

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