Lincoln City youngster Jack Hobbs looks to have had a successful trial with Liverpool and is now likely to sign for the European Champions this week.
Hobbs had been set to move to Arsenal at one stage, but the London club pulled out because they would not agree to a sell-on clause in the deal. Liverpool are happy to have this clause included, after all it is designed to allow Lincoln to share in any success that comes from the player’s signing. If the player is sold for a profit then Liverpool will give some of that profit to Lincoln.
Hobbs played in a match against Wrexham last week in so that Reds staff could assess his ability in a real match situation. As in his trials with the club in training, the player impressed Liverpool.
The players’ agent, Charles Collymore, told Lincoln’s local paper the Lincolnshire Free Press that a deal is likely this week: "Liverpool have indicated they want Jack and we hope to complete the deal this week. He’s done very well at Liverpool."
He also said that the player’s attitude impressed the Reds staff: "They think he’s got a fantastic temperament and believe that will go a long way towards him taking on board everything they will teach him."
The match against Wrexham was watched by the Reds chief scout Frank MacParland and he is said to have immediately recommended the player be signed after watching him in action. Rick Parry is likely to rubber-stamp the deal which will be worth over £100,000 to Lincoln in the first instance.
Hobbs is normally a centre-back, but Liverpool played him in a central midfield role. His dad, Paul Hobbs, spoke about the game: "The match was only 70 minutes but he played it all and did OK."
Paul continued: "I’d be delighted to see him go to Liverpool. My only disappointment would be that he never started a match for Lincoln City. That’s a shame after spending seven years there."
Jack’s now back with his club awaiting developments. In addition to the sell-on clause Liverpool are likely to agree to clauses that give Lincoln rewards should Hobbs become a first team regular and also should be become an England international.