Young midfielder Darren Potter looks set to join Scottish title contenders Hearts when the transfer window opens in January. The Ireland u21 international is currently sidelined through injury, but as reported in the Liverpool Echo on Saturday Hearts are ready to pay around £750,000 to take him to Tynecastle.
Liverpool are happy with the deal, and the decision will be left to the player. TLW has been informed that although Potter is reluctant to leave Liverpool, he is realistic about his situation and knows he is not going to force his way into the first team given the stiff competition for places in the reds' midfield.
Potter is frustrated at the lack of football he's had so far this season, and last week he had to plead with the club to allow him to play for the reserves against Manchester United. He wasn't included in the squad originally, as he was on stand by for the first team who were playing Chelsea the following night. Ironically, he was stretchered from the field early in that game with a fractured vertebrae in his back.
The offer from Hearts is believed to be a very attractive one financially, and unless any other offers come in Potter is expected to agree to the switch.
Meanwhile, Potter's reserve team-mate David Raven is also looking to get away in January, after becoming increasingly frustrated with reserve team football and the lack of first team opportunities. Raven was originally named in the squad to go Japan, but when the final travelling party was named he discovered he had been left out.
A current England u20 international, Raven feels he needs first team football to continue his development. He has been wanting a loan move for some time, but Rafa Benitez has been reluctant to let him leave as the only other cover available for Steve Finnan is Josemi, who the club are hoping to offload in January.
Raven wants away, but it remains to be seen if his wish will be granted.
