Liverpool, Arne Slot stance shows quality of Plymouth Argyle scouting: View | OneFootball

The Pilgrims were said to be interested in the teenager this summer before injury struck

Plymouth Argyle were reported to be interested in a loan deal for Liverpool striker Jayden Danns earlier in the summer, before injury scuppered any move from happening.

The teenager was sidelined for two months with a back issue in August, leaving him unable to complete a move to Home Park, as Wayne Rooney looked to add to his attacking ranks.

That’s not to say that any future deal is off the cards though, with Alan Nixon later revealing that a similar deal could be struck in the January transfer window, depending on the amount of minutes he plays for the Reds before then.

While Argyle will be cursing their luck after the injury to one of their top summer targets, they will take heart from the fact they had a strong chance of luring a top talent to the club, and already be making plans for the start of 2025.

Jayden Danns set for Liverpool first-team minutes after Plymouth Argyle deal fails to go through

Argyle were said to be one of the clubs interested in the young striker this summer in a report from TEAMtalk, with boss Rooney said to be a ‘big admirer’ of the 18-year-old sensation.

The teenager made his Premier League bow earlier this year, as he emerged as a late substitute in a 4-1 victory over Luton Town, before repeating the feat in March against Nottingham Forest.

A brace in an FA Cup clash with Southampton proved just what a talent Arne Slot has at his disposal on Merseyside, making it no surprise that the Dutchman is keen to give him minutes in the top flight upon his return from his latest setback.

The back injury was a real spanner in the works for any sort of deal to be completed over the summer, with the initial thoughts being that it was a minor cause for concern, before The Athletic reported that it was much worse than originally feared.

If the original prognosis is correct, Danns could be back in action as early as next month, with three months in which to impress his new boss and earn as many minutes on the pitch as possible.

Whether he does enough to earn a regular spot in the match day squad remains to be seen, with any decision about whether a loan move away will be best likely to be considered when January comes around.

Plymouth Argyle will be boosted by scouting mission despite Jayden Danns disappointment

Much has been made of Argyle’s reliance on underlying numbers to find hidden gems within the market of late, with the Pilgrims unearthing a number of players throughout the summer transfer window.

The likes of Ibrahim Cissoko, Kornel Szucs and Rami Al Hajj are just three of the unknown quantities plucked out from the Home Park super computer that compiles all the facts and figures for potential recruits.

The fact that Danns was an early consideration shows just how strong the Argyle recruitment team is at this moment in time, with a number of stars making their name in Devon in recent seasons.

The likes of Bali Mumba, Morgan Whittaker and Finn Azaz have all proven that a spell in the West Country can propel a player onto big things, with all three emerging as top Championship players as it stands.

Although the chances seem slimmer than earlier in the summer, those of a green persuasion will still be pinning their hopes on a repeat deal for Danns in January, but if Slot sticks to his word, they may be seeing him shining on the highest stage long before then.

With just two Championship goals from their first four matches of the season, the striker situation may be one the Devonians need to readdress in January, and they will be looking towards Anfield for hope that they can finally get a deal over the line for a player who could make all the difference in the second tier.