Liverpool cancel Borussia Monchengladbach friendly

Liverpool’s dispute with Borussia Monchengladbach following an alleged illegal approach for teenager Rhian Brewster has intensified with the postponement of a prestigious pre-season fixture between the clubs.

The German club were heading to Anfield on August 7 for a curtain-raiser to the 2018-19 season. But such is the acrimony sparked by the pursuit of Brewster, Liverpool have withdrawn the invitation and written to the Bundesliga side to issue a warning about their conduct.

Liverpool believe Brewster has been spoken to without permission.

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Monchengladbach’s Sporting Director Max Eberl has made no secret of his admiration for the emerging talent in English football. On Friday, Monchengladbach signed 19-year-old Keanan Bennetts from Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool believe the chase for Brewster has gone too far and they are ready to take the matter to Fifa.

Brewster emerged as one of the most exciting teenage footballers in the world over the last 12 months, his reputation soaring having won the Golden Boot when England won the Under 17 World Cup in India.

Liverpool offered Brewster his first professional contract at the earliest opportunity – when Academy players turn 18 – but it remains unsigned as other interest parties came forward.

Monchengladbach would appear to be most advanced and their pursuit has certainly riled Liverpool.

But Brewster is entering the third year of a scholarship deal so he is still under contract and does not have permission to speak to other clubs.

German clubs are taking greater interest in England’s emerging youngsters, believing they can offer a pathway to first team football at the highest level which the top Premier League managers cannot guarantee.

The most high profile transfer of this type so far was the £10 million deal taking Jadon Sancho from Manchester City to Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool, however, are unwilling to enter negotiations with Monchengladbach due to their unhappiness with their conduct.