Liverpool are confident of finalising a new contract for Rio Ngumoha despite reported interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, while Wayne Rooney has criticised Ryan Gravenberch's sending off in the defeat to Manchester City.
Ngumoha contract close
Liverpool harbour no fears about potential complications regarding Rio Ngumoha's fresh contract or him seeking a transfer elsewhere, according to TeamTalk. Both Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been touted as potential suitors, but the Reds are understood to remain assured that nobody will disrupt proceedings.
Ngumoha penned terms running until 2028 upon turning 17. Clubs are permitted to secure players on extended agreements following their 18th birthday, yet more than a month has elapsed since the winger marked that landmark. There isn't believed to be much cause for concern, reports the Mirror.
Liverpool are said to be finalising some remaining minor details, following which they're anticipated to formally announce the fresh contract. The youngest goalscorer in club history, Ngumoha has bagged two goals and one assist in 32 appearances for the Reds.
Rooney on Gravenberch red
Ryan Gravenberch was sent off for two yellow cards dished out by referee Chris Kavanagh during the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. Numerous pundits rallied to the midfielder's defence over the double booking, but former England captain Wayne Rooney laid some responsibility at his door.
Rooney said on Match of the Day: "I think the first yellow card is harsh. 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 naïve and stupid for that second yellow card," he added.
Reduced to 10 men, Iraola's side were ruthlessly punished by the Premier League table toppers. Several key players were absent from the setback through injury, including the club's three top scorers this season - Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai - none of whom look likely to feature midweek. Liverpool face LASK in the Champions League as they look to bounce back.
