Bayern Munich are reportedly set to renew their interest in Liverpool forward Rio Ngumoha ahead of the January transfer window. The 18-year-old has established himself as a regular in the Reds' first-team squad this season.
Ngumoha has made 13 appearances in all competitions so far this campaign. He has started all four of Liverpool's Champions League games, providing two assists, including a standout performance in last month's 4-3 win over Villarreal.
In the Premier League, the teenager has mostly been used as a substitute, but he has featured in all but two league games. His form has earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
Bayern's search for attacking cover
Bayern reportedly showed interest in Ngumoha during the summer, but Liverpool swiftly rejected any approach. Ismael Saibari was signed instead. However, German outlet BILD now reports that Bayern are keen to sign a back-up to Luis Diaz and are targeting a young attacker for that role, with Ngumoha said to be on their list of targets.
According to the report, other targets for Bayern include FC Porto's Oskar Pietuszewski, Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi and Borussia Monchengladbach's Wael Mohya. Pietuszewski is said to be at the top of the list.
Missed out on Manchester United star
The renewed interest in Ngumoha comes after Bayern appear to have missed out on signing Manchester United's JJ Gabriel. The 16-year-old is closing in on a move to Real Madrid after deciding to leave United.
Gabriel requested to exit Old Trafford back in September after growing frustrated at waiting for his first-team opportunity. Bayern were one of the teams linked with Gabriel, but he has opted for a move to Spain. In three appearances for United's youth sides this season, he has scored five times and provided two assists, including a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League clash against Sabah.
Iraola's praise for Ngumoha
Ngumoha is held in high regard at Anfield. Speaking after the win over Villarreal, Reds boss Andoni Iraola was full of praise for the teenager: "I'm happy with his attitude because he's eager to improve the things that we think he needs to improve. He's eager to add more things to his game.
"He has changed the sides a lot and has played a lot on the right lately. He's feeling so comfortable now and he's adding even some shots with the left [foot] that he hasn't scored but he's getting there and if he can add these small things to his game it will put him in an even better position.
"That's the good thing with Rio, he's still 18, he's not the full package. He can add things, fortunately for us also and I hope he continues the same way. It's not going to be always like this, he will have ups and downs in the process, but I'm happy because attitude-wise I'm seeing him in a great place."
Bayern could face a familiar outcome with Ngumoha, who is highly valued at Liverpool, after losing out on Gabriel.
