Sheffield United: How The Blades won the race for Ben Woodburn's services as the Liverpool youngster passes his medical at Bramall Lane

Aston Villa had also been chasing the teenage midfielder and were confident of securing his services having reached an investment agreement with billionaire Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, the co-owner of basketball franchise Milwaukee Bucks.

Despite acknowledging Villa was the more financial advantageous option, Klopp has steered Woodburn towards South Yorkshire for footballing reasons. The German, whose squad travelled to France for pre-season training earlier this week, believes the 18-year-old will gain more first team exposure with United and benefit from Chris Wilder's methods.

Woodburn has remained in England to complete his season long transfer and is understood to have passed his medical yesterday.

Fending-off Villa's interest, coupled with Klopp's decision to intervene in the negotiation process, represents a major victory for Wilder who had made no secret of the fact he viewed Woodburn as the natural replacement for fellow Wales international David Brooks.

"We need to bring in someone to perform that role," Wilder said following Brooks' move to AFC Bournemouth. "It's an important position, a key role, and the person we're looking at has got real quality."

Barring any unforseen complications, Woodburn is expected to be unveiled by United before Saturday's game against Swansea City. He will become Chris Wilder's fourth new signing of the summer, following the arrivals of John Egan, Dean Henderson and David McGoldrick. United's hierarchy are still attempting to broker a deal for Ipswich Town centre-forward Martyn Waghorn ahead of next week's deadline for permanent signings.

Woodburn has been identified as a future first-team regular by Klopp and impressed on Liverpool's recent tour of the United States.

"Ben is 100 per cent back," he said, following the 4-1 friendly win over arch-rivals Manchester United.