Liverpool finally close in on summer signing as Premier League approve deal

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on their first summer signing with the Premier League set to wave the deal through over the coming days. The Reds have made a slow start to their recruitment process as they prepare for life without Jurgen Klopp in the dugout.

New boss Arne Slot is yet to welcome any new faces to his squad but that could be about to change with Liverpool close to finalising their first signing of the window. Teenage forward Rio Ngumoha is reportedly on the verge of joining the Merseyside giants subject to Premier League approval.

Ngumoha recently left Chelsea, where he trained with the first-team squad and was held in high regard. It is said that he has already agreed to join Liverpool, where he will be hoping to emulate the likes of Stefan Bajcetic and Kaide Gordon by making the step up to senior football.

Because of his age, the proposed move has had to go through a five-step investigation process by the Premier League. The deal is set to be given the green light, according to Fabrizio Romano, meaning Ngumoha will be free to join Liverpool ahead of the new season.

The 16-year-old made nine appearances for Chelsea's under-18 side last season, while he also made his under-21 debut in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. He reportedly turned down fresh terms in order to sign for Liverpool, where he sees a clearer pathway to first-team football.

It remains to be seen if Liverpool will follow up by making any senior signings to boost their squad in advance of the upcoming Premier League campaign. Slot has inherited a strong squad and is not worried about the club's lack of summer business, instead preferring to focus on those players already in the building.

"The first aim is to work with these players," said the Dutchman at a recent press conference. "Of course, it's a disadvantage that many of them aren't here yet. The positive about that is that it's an ideal way to see the younger players and give them playing time.

"The standards are really high when it comes to bringing in new players because we have such a good squad. Of course, Richard [Hughes] and I are trying to improve the squad where possible but that's not that easy.

"Richard, more than me, is working really hard on that and keeps me updated. If there's any news on that we will come to you. We already have a good team, which I am happy with, but it would be a surprise for all of us if we don't bring any players in."