Liverpool are preparing for their Champions League trip to Austria to face LASK, with the fallout from Sunday's Premier League defeat to Manchester City continuing. The Reds won their opening European match 2-1 against Atletico Madrid under Andoni Iraola, and will now look to bounce back from the domestic loss.
Ngumoha contract talks progressing
According to TeamTalk, Liverpool are not concerned about any complications in Rio Ngumoha's new contract negotiations. Both Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been linked with the teenager, but the Reds are said to be confident no one will disrupt the process.
Ngumoha signed a deal running until 2028 when he turned 17. Clubs are permitted to offer longer contracts after a player's 18th birthday, and more than a month has passed since the winger reached that milestone. Reports suggest Liverpool are finalising minor details before officially confirming the new agreement.
Rooney's verdict on Gravenberch red card
Ryan Gravenberch will be available for the LASK match despite his red card against City, as his suspension applies only to domestic fixtures. The Dutch midfielder was sent off for a second yellow card, and former England international Wayne Rooney offered his assessment on Match of the Day.
"I think the first yellow card is harsh," Rooney said. "He's obviously gone for the ball, it's a poor touch by Elliot Anderson, and then he just nicks it and Gravenberch catches him on the top of his foot and then he goes down. So it's probably not a yellow card."
"But for me, the second one, when you've been booked and you're on a yellow card then you leave yourself in a position where you can get a second yellow card and sent off. It's a bit naive and stupid for that second yellow card."
