Liverpool had invited Daniel Carr to Anfield a couple of days ago to have a week-long trial with them. Liverpool scouts have liked what they have seen during his performances for club side Dulwich Hamlet this season, and wanted to have a good look at the 18-year-old.

Hamlet are eight leagues below Liverpool, but the Merseysiders feel his performances this season have justified a week-long trial in order to assess if he really has strong potential. Carr has scored 23 goals in just as many games this season and has been monitored by a host of Championship and Premier League clubs, before Liverpool decided to make a move for him.

A total of 14 clubs have reportedly enquired about the promising young star including both Manchester clubs. But Chelsea are now considering hijacking Liverpool’s attempt in landing the 18-year-old. The current European Champions have in recent windows acquired a lot of young talent from around the world including the likes of Hazard, Mata and Oscar, among others.

They are now set to raid the youth in their own country, as the Blues have reportedly spoken directly with the Ryman Division One south club about inviting their prized asset to have a trial with the West London club. The Premier League is a big step up for any youngster, and Carr may find it a bit daunting training with a Premier League club, considering he plays his football eight divisions below.

However, he already had an unsuccessful trial with Leeds United in the summer and was close to joining Charlton earlier this season after impressing manager Chris Powell. However, both parties could not come to an agreement on the financials, and the deal collapsed. This could actually be a blessing in disguise for Carr, as he has since been called for trials at Anfield and apparently Stamford Bridge.

The upturn in form seems to have come about after a change of position on the field. Initially, Carr was deployed on the flanks but Hamlet manager, Gavin Rose, transformed Carr into a striker with explosive results. Carr has scored a phenomenal 23 goals in as many appearances after playing as a striker this season. Rose said, “We have reinvented him. He has only played here as a striker and he is a totally different player. He has got great movement and is very clever. Daniel is decent technically, beats people on his own and scores all types of goals.”

The south London club would ideally want to keep him till the end of the season since he has the talent to lead them to promotion, but have acknowledged that they would struggle to hold onto him if a big club came calling. Rose added, “We’d like to hold onto our boys to give us the best chance of competing in the league, which is so tight. If someone comes in for him then we would give them our blessing as a club.”