Rio Ngumoha has had Chelsea first-team exposure at 15 as Liverpool 'closes in on transfer'

Liverpool are on the brink of signing 15-year-old Chelsea forward Rio Ngumoha as he prepares to leave the Blues this summer and the youngster has already had major first-team exposure during his time in the capital.

The Reds are confident of winning the race to sign the talented youngster , with reports already suggesting that they are prepared to break the Academy's existing wage structure to secure his services.

Ngumoha is highly rated in west London and believed to have trained with the men's team on a number of occasions. with images emerging of him battling it out with former Red Raheem Sterling during a training exercise last season.

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The Blues' 15-year-old also caught the attention earlier this year when he appeared for the U21's in an impressive debut, coming on as a second half substitute. However, Ngumoha is expected to leave the Stamford Bridge this summer after failing to agree new terms with the club.

It is believed that concerns around a future pathway into the first team and further development posed major concern for Ngumoha and his representatives. But with plenty of clubs, including Liverpool, waiting in the wings, the youngster isn't short on options and it now appears the Reds have won the race for his signature.

That's according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who revealed Ngumoha will be leaving Chelsea's academy this summer. The Reds are reportedly prepared to break the academy's "historical wage structure" to get the deal over line, which is "set to be completed soon."

Jurgen Klopp was renowned for bringing through youngsters during his tenure on Merseyside and Arne Slot could be about to do the same if the Reds finalize a deal for Ngumoha. The Blues' 15-year-old caught the attention earlier this year when he appeared for the U21's in an impressive debut and will be confident of fitting right in on Merseyside.

It could also be a stroke of financial genius from the Reds. If Ngumoha lives up to his billing, Liverpool will end up paying just a fraction of what they might have to just a few years down the line, potentially making this deal even more impressive.

Klopp gave debuts to eight academy players last season, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones two others in recent years who have gone on to star for the Reds. If a deal goes through, Ngumoha will be hoping to add his name to that list.