Saints Lead Chase For Eccleston.

Southampton are believed to be leading the chase for Liverpool starlet Nathan Eccleston, with Bristol City also in hot pursuit.

It is thought that the 19 year old striker would be expected to be able to leave the club for another loan spell, to enhance his first team experience and gain a regular amount of playing time at a higher level, than he is presently experiencing predominantly in the Reserves. The highly rated Anfield prospect has already seen some playing time on loan at Huddersfield last season, where he clocked up 12 appearances for the club, scoring a goal on his debut for the Terriers. He also had to serve out a 3 match ban whilst on loan after receiving a straight red card against Gillingham.

The talented young forward made his debut on 28 October 2010, in the Carling Cup against Arsenal before making his league debut, again as a late substitute, a few days later against Fulham. So far in the 2010/11 campaign he has made some short appearances in the Europa league against FK Rabotnicki and Steaua Bucharest, as well as scoring his first senior goal for the club when he appeared in Jamie Carragher’s Testimonial to find the net in a 4-1 over Everton. Eccleston also recently came off the bench to play a part in Liverpool’s Carling Cup exit at the hands of Northampton Town, where he sadly saw his penalty come back off the cross bar in the shootout at the end of extra time.

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins and chairman Nicola Cortese are said to have watched Eccleston score in Monday’s 3-1 reserves defeat to Chelsea and been impressed with what the youngster had to offer. The club are thought to be hopeful of putting a loan in place very shortly if terms can be agreed with Liverpool.