Karl Robinson has revealed that he "literally kidnapped" youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold from under Everton's noses while he was academy boss with Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

The 18-year-old was targeted by the Premier League duo but was eventually lured to Anfield, where he impressed when being handed his senior debut against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening.

Robinson, who parted company with MK Dons earlier this week after spending six years at the club, claims that Liverpool were willing to go all out to ensure that they landed the exciting and versatile young talent.

"I signed Trent. I was watching the game on Tuesday night and I got all emotional," he told 5Times podcast. "He had a choice between Liverpool and Everton, and we literally kidnapped him! We wouldn't let him anywhere because he was so good. He was a striker as a kid.

"He was the best by a long way. We did everything we possibly could to sign him. Cameron Brannagan was a bit older than him. Jordan Rossiter and Connor Randall were also part of that batch of players we signed at six, seven and eight. I'm watching these kids now and thinking remember the battle we had trying to sign him."

Liverpool's latest young prospect could be Bury defender Emeka Obi, who claimed on Twitter that he is now a "Footballer at Liverpool FC".