Middlesbrough could be helped by Championship promotion rivals Leeds United and Burnley in keeping Ben Doak this month - with Liverpool said to be using two recent sales by the clubs as the basis for the valuation of the winger.

Dougie Freedman – Director of Football at Crystal Palace – could use that same method to sign Esse, as the Daily Mail claim the teenager has a £12m release clause in his terms at Millwall. Liverpool are believed to want £25m for Doak, so this would be a considerably cheaper deal for the Eagles to pursue.

A Premier League club are planning an improved offer for Liverpool youngster Ben Doak, while the Reds have been linked with signing an England international. Doak was sent out on loan to Middlesbrough last summer and he has impressed there, picking up six assists in 21 Championship appearances.