Liverpool will be looking to move past their Champions League setback this weekend when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. The Reds fell to a 1-0 loss away at Galatasaray on Tuesday night in the first leg of their last 16 tie.
Arne Slot will now be concentrating on ensuring Liverpool push for the the top four to guarantee their participation in next season's tournament. A damaging loss to relegation-threatened Wolves in their previous league outing did little to aid their ambitions.
Whilst the Reds' campaign has been marked by inconsistency, the reigning Premier League champions have been given cause for encouragement through the displays of teenage winger Rio Ngumoha. In today's Liverpool news, Slot has addressed the 17-year-old's potential whilst the club have been connected with a surprising transfer move for a competitor.
Slot has not dismissed the prospect of Ngumoha featuring in the starting line-up against Spurs at Anfield on Sunday. Ngumoha has featured 18 times for the Reds this campaign, but has predominantly been restricted to brief substitute appearances, with his four starts all occurring in the domestic cup tournaments.
The ex-Chelsea youngster has caught the eye in outings against Nottingham Forest and West Ham, as well as in the FA Cup victory over Wolves. Nevertheless, Slot chose not to name Ngumoha in his starting XI against Galatasaray.
Speaking ahead of the fixture with Spurs, Slot hinted at the youngster's involvement this weekend, suggesting he is merely one 'option' for the Reds. He said: "It's not that we think so far ahead for his career but we have treated him carefully, I have said that before.
"He cannot be too many days on the pitch because of stress fractures, players at this club have had that but Rio can start for us. I said he would get more playing time and we saw that so he is an option to start one of the upcoming three games."
Liverpool have been linked with Micky van de Ven for a reduced fee should Tottenham suffer relegation this season. Igor Tudor's team are in a dangerous position just above the drop zone and defeat at Anfield could send the north London outfit further into trouble.
The Dutch defender has been amongst the club's few positives this campaign and, having missed out on Marc Guehi to Man City, the Reds could pursue him to strengthen their central defence this summer. Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer reckons the centre-back could be secured if Spurs drop down and a wholesale departure of players ensues.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, the former Ireland international said: "There are a couple out there, but Micky van de Ven seems to be [on the market].
"It will be interesting to see how it develops at Tottenham because if they do go down, they will be looking to offload players, and Liverpool might nick him for a little bit cheaper."
Van de Ven's appreciation for Liverpool could provide the Anfield club with an advantage. Speaking in June 2023, shortly before his £43m transfer to Spurs from Wolfsburg.
He told Voetbal International: "It's true that the director [then Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke previously worked for Wolfsburg] went there and I know that Liverpool followed me before. But at the moment, I don't know anything. Do I think Liverpool is a nice club? Naturally."
Nevertheless, Liverpool won't be able to assess Van de Ven on Sunday as he sits out a one-match suspension following his recent dismissal against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool FC and adidas have unveiled a retro Bringback collection inspired by the club's 1995/96 away kit.
