By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

15th Jun, 2023 | 1:44pm

Sources: Liverpool give permission for Clarkson to head to Aberdeen and finalise move after fee agreed

Aberdeen have won the race to sign Leighton Clarkson after agreeing a fee with Liverpool, sources have told Football Insider.

The 21-year-old has been granted permission to travel to Scotland to put the finishing touches to a permanent switch to Pittodrie after enjoying a productive loan stint last term.

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday that the Dons were the frontrunners for Clarkson’s signature amid interest from elsewhere in Scotland and England.

And they are now closing in what would represent a major coup after Liverpool accepted their offer.

Clarkson scored five goals in 34 league appearances on loan at Aberdeen last season as they clinched Europa League qualification courtesy of a third-placed finish.

He will now hope to build on that success after turning down interest from the likes of League One outfit Reading to secure a return to Scotland.

Clarkson had endured a forgettable loan stint at hometown club Blackburn Rovers prior to his move to Aberdeen and could not speak highly enough of his experiences north of the border in a recent interview.

He said: “This is an experience that I have enjoyed and have learned a lot more from than I thought I would do.

“I would say to most young players that coming up here is a great league to learn in and develop. I came up here to learn and see a different side of the game to what I have been used to at Liverpool, and have also played in and scored goals in front of big crowds.

“This club has really helped me going forward, not just on the pitch but around the place by meeting new people. There is a really good environment here and I would say that to anyone who is thinking of coming up.”

In other news, big Liverpool development revealed.