Latest Liverpool transfer news: Sheffield United’s Jack O’Connell claims turning down Liverpool would be difficult

Sheffield United centre-back Jack O’Connell claims that turning down an offer from Liverpool would be tough as he prepares for the Premier League season.

The 25-year-old English defender played 42 games for the Blades last season as they secured automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The Reds host Sheffield on New Year’s Day while our first clash with them is on 28 September. Speaking to Sky Sports, the centre-back revealed that most of his family also support Liverpool:

“All my family are Liverpool fans so we couldn’t wait to find out when we played Liverpool and to face them on New Year’s Day will be a special moment for me and my family.”

The defender added that he travelled to Madrid to watch the Reds win the Champions League final too. O’Connell wanted to lift the Champions League trophy someday and had “goosebumps” when Jordan Henderson celebrated the victory.

The 25-year-old added that he was happy at Sheffield but revealed an offer from Liverpool would be difficult to say no to:

“Obviously I am happy at Sheffield United. I’ve just signed a new contract and I’ve never thought about leaving, but my dream as a kid was to play for Liverpool and if they ever come knocking, although unlikely, it would be hard to turn them down.”

Liverpool have a fantastic defence already

O’Connell might have impressed in the Championship last season but the Premier League is a much tougher league. Liverpool had the best defence last time around, and it will be interesting to see if we are tighter at the back.

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Virgil van Dijk has transformed our back-line since his move from Southampton, while Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were excellent alongside the Dutchman over the last 10 months.