Liverpool scouts monitor £50m Valencia winger Otorbi amid January transfer push

Liverpool are stepping up their interest in Valencia winger David Otorbi, with club scouts attending matches to monitor the 19-year-old as the Reds prepare for a busy January transfer window.

Otorbi signed a two-year deal with Valencia in April that included a £25 million release clause and an option for a further three-year extension. Reports from Spain indicate Valencia are on the verge of triggering that extension, which would simultaneously raise his release clause to £50 million — giving the Spanish club firm leverage over any potential suitors.

Liverpool’s scouting presence at Valencia games was initially linked to monitoring Harvey Elliott, who is currently on loan at the club. However, it appears the Reds may have identified Otorbi as another prospect worth tracking in the process. Liverpool are also reported to have held meetings with Valencia manager Javier Aguirre and sporting director Braulio Vazquez, with exploratory discussions potentially touching on Otorbi’s future alongside the Elliott loan arrangement.

Although Rio Ngumoha has made an encouraging impression on Liverpool’s right wing since joining, manager Andoni Iraola — who has guided the club to three consecutive wins since taking charge — appears keen to add further competition and depth to that area of the squad.

Separately, Liverpool are also weighing a potential early recall of loanee Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Levante. The young forward was sent out on loan after the club exhausted their quota of non-eligible players and he was unable to obtain a UK work permit. His agents are now reportedly due to hold talks with Liverpool about cutting the spell short following a strong start to the season in Spain.

The developments come ahead of a demanding week for Liverpool, which includes a Premier League home fixture against third-placed Brighton — two places above the Reds in the table — as well as an EFL Cup tie against Chelsea.