LIVERPOOL have made a £3m bid for Cardiff City’s teenage sensation Aaron Ramsey, Wales on Sunday can reveal.
Rafa Benitez’s Anfield giants are the first Premier League club to test the Bluebirds resolve with a hard offer, after Ramsey’s continuing emergence at senior level with the Bluebirds.
However, the Ninian Park club have rejected the bid, telling the Reds they will have to stump up more cash to stand any chance of luring Ramsey.
It’s understood City chiefs will not even discuss any potential transfer unless £5m at the very least is put on the table for their brightest young jewel.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United have all expressed an interest in the 17-year-old, and a host of scouts have trailed him for months.
But Liverpool, who face another trophyless season after going out to Chelsea in the semi-final of the Champions League last Wednesday, are the only ones as yet to put their money on the table.
Not only that, but the contract they are ready to offer Ramsey is believed to contain a clause guaranteeing him 10 first team appearances in his first season with them.
There will be no shortage of fixtures to blend Ramsey in at Anfield with the Reds doing battle on four fronts in the Premier League, Europe as well as both domestic cup competitions.
And the willingness to make such an offer is evidence that Liverpool are fully aware of the fears someone like Ramsey would have about going stagnant in their reserves.
The youngster has been told by Wales manager John Toshack that he should bide his time before moving to the highest level.
The Wales manager believes Ramsey would benefit from another year at Championship level with his hometown club.
Toshack has seen too many of his Welsh stars warming benches at a variety of Premiership destinations and does not want to see another gem go the same way.
But ultimately it will be out of the national boss’s control.
Ramsey made his debut in the FA Cup third round victory against Chasetown last January, scoring City’s second goal, and hasn’t really looked back since.
He has gone on to show at first team level real class, a fearless approach and also versatility, having played in five different positions for the Bluebirds.
A significant number of City fans, not to mention pundits, are calling for him to start in the FA Cup final against Portsmouth on May 17.
But it is looking ever more likely that the big showdown could be his last in a Bluebirds shirt.
City chairman Peter Ridsdale has put out the message that the club will do business on Ramsey – if the price is right.
Ridsdale said: “Every player is up for sale, the only thing that has changed from the FA Cup run is the fact that we dictate the price of the sale and that this club is in a stronger position now.”
The Liverpool bid is the strongest indication yet that the Premier League is serious about the talents of Ramsey.
The youngster has been talked about as being potentially the best Welsh talent to emerge since Ryan Giggs.
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