Liverpool move for Chelsea wonderkid delayed as Premier League start investigation process

Liverpool's acquisition of talented midfield prodigy Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea has been delayed for a few weeks for the Premier League to conduct checks. The Reds reached an agreement with the youngster to swap teams as he viewed the pathway at the club as a more promising one.

England U-16 international Ngumoha was one of the promising stars at the Chelsea academy in the 2023-24 season. The 16-year-old youngster featured for the Blues' U-21 side at the age of 15, while also playing for the U-18s.

Liverpool snapped up the teenager after providing him with a clearer pathway to first-team football than the Blues. The Reds have been active in signing young players of a similar age in recent years, with 17-year-old Trey Nyoni making his professional debut after joining aged 16.

Newspaper Liverpool ECHO has now reported that the move for Ngumoha will take at least four weeks to complete due to a five-stage investigation process put in place by the Premier League. This process was introduced in 2016.

The first stage involves the submission of a signed registration form to the Premier League for the player, which has been completed by Liverpool. In the second stage, interviews will be conducted by an independent third party with the player, his parents, and the two clubs.

The third stage of the process involves both clubs and the player's parents signing a form, declaring that there were no financial inducements in the move. The fourth stage will see a third party recommend to the Premier League whether or not the move should be approved. The final stage will see the Premier League choosing to accept or decline the registration application.

Chelsea commence talks for Villarreal goalkeeper - Reports

Chelsea have begun talks with Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen over a potential move to the club this summer, as per journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Blues are looking to sign a new goalkeeper to complement the playing style of new coach Enzo Maresca.

The futures of Robert Sanchez and Kepa Arrizabalaga are up in the air at Stamford Bridge, with the latter keen on a return to Real Madrid after a season on loan. Both Spanish goalkeepers appear to be unwanted at Chelsea, with Italian tactician Maresca now keen on another goalkeeper.

Swedish goalkeeper Jorgensen is one of four names on the club's shortlist, with Leicester City man Mads Hermansen also being looked at. The 22-year-old Villarreal man is in talks with the Blues, and the situation is one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.