Liverpool transfer openings become clear as three forward moves considered

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Liverpool's Academy forwards have been enjoying a profitable pre-season and some could now be on the moveWith trips to far-flung places, new commercial markets to pursue, tens of thousands of supporters turning up and games beamed live across the world, pre-season is now markedly different for England's biggest clubs compared to the start of the Premier League era.But for all the hullabaloo and razzmatazz, what hasn't changed is the fact summer friendlies remain an important part of the year for the next generation of potential players. And that is no different at Liverpool.Indeed, with so many senior squad members unavailable either through injury or earlier World Cup participation, the recent tour to the United States provided an opportunity for a host of fledgling talents.And with new head coach Andoni Iraola without the majority of his frontline forwards for the Stateside sojourn, it was a particularly profitable trip for the Academy attackers.The greatest intrigue surrounded Josh Abe, the 16-year-old who made a major breakthrough with the under-18s last season and was being courted by the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City before committing his immediate future to the Reds having been at the club since the age of four.Abe - who became the youngest Liverpool player to feature in the UEFA Youth League as a 15-year-old in February - played the final quarter of the win over Sunderland in Nashville and the first half of the victory against Wrexham, and can expect to be given some opportunities with the U21s this season.Of the more established Academy names, Lewis Koumas scored in the win over Sunderland and impressed in general during the tour.

The 20-year-old helped Hull City to promotion when on loan last season, and is expected to attract significant interest towards the transfer deadline with Liverpool anticipating both temporary and permanent move offers.Indeed, Koumas was poised to link up with Wales boss Craig Bellamy at Burnley until the prospective switch to Turf Moor fell through for the ex-Liverpool striker.Kieran Morrison made his first-team breakthrough last season with the 19-year-old Northern Ireland international scoring the first goal of the Iraola reign against Sunderland.He also started Sunday's loss to Leeds United and, with a lack of options on the right flank at present, is likely to be given further chances in the forthcoming Anfield friendlies against Monaco and Como before a decision is made over a possible loan move.Will Wright, the 17-year-old striker who made the senior bench towards the end of last season, started against Sunderland and played the last half-hour against Wrexham. Having missed a large chunk of last term for the U21s due to injury, it's likely he will remain with the Academy unless a compelling loan offer is forthcoming.Last season's U18s leading goalscorer, 18-year-old Josh Sonni-Lambie, had a 15-minute run-out against Wrexham and will have benefited from time with the senior squad ahead of stepping up to becoming a U21 regular this season.And even for those Academy strikers who didn't make the tour, there is a positive immediate outlook.

Keyrol Figueroa, who made the senior matchday squad last season and penned a new deal in the summer, impressed during the U21s training camp in Slovenia where he scored twice in the 4-3 friendly win over NK Celje before another two goals in the weekend 4-3 loss to Cardiff City at the AXA Training Centre.Liverpool believe Figueroa is ready for men's football with loan interest from a number of clubs including League One side Barnsley and League Two duo Salford City and Shrewsbury Town.Jayden Danns, meanwhile, would have been a guaranteed traveller on the tour but for another untimely injury setback after 18 months hampered by fitness problems. The 20-year-old is anticipated back in action before the end of the month after which loan interest could be forthcoming.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!