Liverpool 'break wage structure' to sign Chelsea wonderkid

Liverpool are reportedly preparing to break their wage structure to finalise the signing of teenage starlet Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea.

Ngumoha, 15, has long been touted as one of the finest talents of his age group and was even a regular feature in Chelsea's Under-18 setup last season, despite the fact he does not turn 16 until later this month.

As he approached the end of his academy contract, Chelsea tried to tie Ngumoha down to a new deal but Fabrizio Romano revealed he has opted to take his talents to Liverpool.

Such is the excitement surrounding Ngumoha, Liverpool are expected to break the wage structure in their academy to convince the attacking midfielder to sign on.

Chelsea have also lost another hot prospect this summer, with 16-year-old midfielder Ryan McAidoo heading to Manchester City.

Chelsea's owners have come under increasing scrutiny for their treatment of academy graduates, many of whom have been touted as sellable assets because of the "pure profit" that comes from selling a youth star.

Ian Maatsen and Lewis Hall have already been sold this summer, while Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja are all available for transfer as Chelsea seek to raise as much money as possible to avoid any Profit & Sustainability Rules breaches.

Last summer saw Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi offloaded, helping Chelsea finances moves for a number of expensive young players from overseas.

Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian, both attacking midfielder-winger hybrids, will join next summer for close to £70m combined.

Chelsea have also bid farewell to two of the most influential figures in the academy's recent success. Neil Bath and Jim Fraser, who are credited with the creation of one of Europe's greatest youth systems over the past two decades, are also leaving the club this summer.

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD