Conversations over a new Liverpool contract for star winger Rio Ngumoha are now “underway”, according to a big new claim from Fabrizio Romano.

The 18-year-old’s Reds future is a major talking point currently, as his stock continues to rise at Anfield, and a massive future is being predicted for him.

Speaking on his YouTube channel [via TEAMtalk], Romano gave the latest on the situation, saying Liverpool appear to be in a strong and positive position currently:

“Many of you keep asking me about Bayern because from Germany the rumours are coming back regarding Rio Ngumoha and Bayern, Rio attracting interest from Bayern. It’s two separate things guys. One thing is to say that Bayern like Rio, that’s not in doubt.

“But if you want me to come here and tell you all the clubs that like players like Rio, like players like Nico Paz… all the top clubs like these players. It’s obvious these are the best talents in the world. So by liking Rio is one thing. Another thing is Liverpool. Liverpool deserve respect in this story.

“Last summer there were at some points so many stories, so many links between Bayern and Rio like it was panic. No panic for Liverpool. The player was never for sale. Never an option even to negotiate. They didn’t want to indicate a number 50, 60, 70, 80, 100. No, Liverpool didn’t want to negotiate.

“Liverpool want to get a new contract done for Ngumoha as well as possible. The conversation is underway. It’s going quite well. Rio doing well is also an important point because to find game-time obviously for a young player is crucial, and so the direction is for Liverpool to push and try close this new contract for Rio as soon as possible.

“So Liverpool want absolutely to keep Rio, then the appreciation from Bayern is one thing, the real concrete negotiation is a different story because Rio is focused on these contract talks.”

Will Rio Ngumoha sign a contract extension at Liverpool?

Losing Ngumoha at this point in his career doesn’t even bear thinking about for Liverpool, with the teenager among the most exciting young attacking players in world football.

He is out of contract in 2028, which isn’t too far away, and it is essential that the Reds tie him down to a bumper new contract that recognises his vast potential.

If not, other huge European clubs will come in for Ngumoha – Bayern Munich have been in the conversation for some time – and the could turn his head with a better offer.

The Englishman appears to be happy at Liverpool, though, so it would be a surprise if he didn’t sign a new deal at this point.