Liverpool accelerate Rio Ngumoha talks, privately they expect deal to be done
Liverpool are accelerating contract talks with Rio Ngumoha's representatives in an attempt to ward off interest from Arsenal, sources have told Football Insider.
Ngumoha is on the Gunners' radar after a breakthrough into the Liverpool first team over the last 12 months.
They believe they can tempt the 18-year-old to North London with the promise of regular game time and consistent battles for silverware.
He has been handed increased minutes by Andoni Iraola so far this season as he shoulders more responsibility in the Reds' squad.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool have no plans to let Ngumoha leave and are pushing ahead with talks to extend his contract past 2028.
The teenage star's rise has continued after he earned his first full England call-up for their upcoming Nations League fixtures on Friday.
Rio Ngumoha contract talks accelerating amid Arsenal interest
Ngumoha has started in three of Liverpool's six competitive fixtures this season, but is yet to contribute to a goal.
The 18-year-old is in line to feature regularly on both flanks after Liverpool decided against signing another winger in the summer window.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "He's under contract until 2028 and talks are ongoing over a new long-term deal at Anfield.
"Obviously, Liverpool are desperate to keep hold of Ngumoha, talks are ongoing and there is optimism, I think, on both sides that they can get this deal agreed."
Liverpool will allow this youngster to leave in January
While Ngumoha is set to stay, sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool are open to letting Luke Chambers depart in the next window.
Celtic are among the clubs keen on his services, while several Championship clubs could also make an offer to sign him following the turn of the year.
Chambers recently made the bench for first-team Champions League and Carabao Cup games, but is unlikely to see his Reds contract extended past next June.