Stockport reject Reds' Raynes request

Stockport boss Chris Turner has rejected a request from Liverpool to take in-demand teenager Michael Raynes on trial.

The European champions wanted to take the defender to Merseyside to take a closer look at him with a view to a permanent deal but Turner was not happy with the proposed arrangement.

He told the club’s website, www.stockportcounty.com: “Although he’s still only 17, Michael played 20 senior games for us last season and is very much part of our first-team squad. I don’t think it’s right to let first-team players go on trial.

“I’ve seen instances in the past when young players have returned from trials at big clubs with a big dent in confidence because a dream move didn’t materialise.”

West Brom have already seen two bids for Raynes and team-mate James Spencer rejected and Turner said the Baggies need to increase their offer.

“West Brom know our valuation of both players and the ball is firmly back in their court,” he added.