Andoni Iraola has 'clear plan' for Liverpool sensation Rio Ngumoha after Bayern Munich latest

Andoni Iraola has "clear plans" for Rio Ngumoha to be part of his Liverpool team next season despite interest from rivals clubs.

The 17-year-old has been given opportunities to shine during the Reds' pre-season preparations and has proven to his new manager that he deserves a place in the squad.

This comes as some of Europe's elite clubs have been keeping a close eye on his situation and were ready to swoop if he was made available this summer.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Ngumoha is seen as a replacement for Mohamed Salah and will play a key role under Iraola this season.

Liverpool remain interested in signing a new winger, having already completed a deal for Victor Munoz, but that is not expected to impact the teenager's place in the squad.

There had been concerns about Ngumoha's first-team playing time last season after he started just five Premier League games under Arne Slot, but he is now set for an increased role.

Could Liverpool be tempted to sell Rio Ngumoha?

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider last month that Ngumoha is on the radar of all of Europe's major clubs, and they are keeping tabs on his situation.

Bayern Munich are the most high-profile club looking to explore a move, after reportedly making contract with the winger's entourage earlier in the transfer window.

However, there is now no chance that Ngumoha will be allowed to leave Anfield this summer, with plans for him to play an important role under Iraola.

"Liverpool do not want to see Ngumoha leave under any circumstances," Brown told Football Insider.

"The manager has a clear plan for him to be heavily involved with the first-team squad, to play regular minutes and continue to be a big part of their side.

"He's being given his chance to impress in pre-season, and from what I hear, he's done well and he's really impressed Iraola.

"I don't doubt clubs will be interested, some of them have been watching him since before he joined Liverpool when they poached him from Chelsea.

"If there was any indication he could be let go, then they would be prepared to swoop, but by all accounts he will play an important role under Iraola.

"Having lost Salah, we know Liverpool want to strengthen out wide, but if Ngumoha continues to impress then I don't think it will have any impact on his future."

What are Liverpool doing to keep hold of Ngumoha?

As part of their plans to keep Ngumoha at the club for the foreseeable future, Liverpool are hoping to get the teenager tied down to a long-term contract.

His current deal is set to run until 2028, having penned his most recent contract at the start of last season, but rival clubs believe he could be prised away on his current terms.

As a result, Football Insider revealed last month that Liverpool are planning urgent talks to agree a new deal with Ngumoha to deter the growing interest.

The Reds are keen to sit down with the winger as soon as he turns 18 next month, and plan for him to commit his long-term future to their ambitious project.

Liverpool have no plans to sell him this summer, despite rumours that the teenage star was dissatisfied with his game time last season, and instead hope to offer him more minutes.