Liverpool FC news recap: Diaz contract UPDATE, SHOCK United move and new loans analyst

Here's a round-up of all the latest Liverpool news for Wednesday 25th September as Liverpool beat/lose to West Ham in Carabao Cup third round and United legend Scholes backs Liverpool title charge.

Liverpool enter contract talks with Luis Diaz

Decisions made this season will distinctly impact the trajectory of the club over the next half-decade and according to Football Insider, Liverpool are looking to be proactive in giving dynamic left-winger Luis Diaz a new deal to secure his long-term future.

Diaz has had a sublime start to the season, with his five goals in five games coming second only to Erling Haaland in the league as of today.

But while one would doubt the importance of Diaz’s contributions so far, the report certainly raises more questions than it answers.

With Diaz currently on around £50,000 a week, it would be reasonable to anticipate any new deal would reach the £100,000+ reportedly seen by fellow attackers Gakpo, Jota, Nuñez and Chiesa.

How Rio Ngumoha snubbed Manchester United

Despite a fairly inactive summer transfer window at Liverpool, one acquisition has sent shockwaves through the academy community across the country.

The signing of 16-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha sees the Reds confident that they have secured the services of one of England's most exciting prospects.

It comes as no surprise that someone with so much talent at such a tender age had attracted interest from numerous elite clubs and that Liverpool would have to overcome fierce competition for Ngumoha's signature.

According to a report from The Athletic, Ngumoha spent time at United this summer listening to the plans they had for him if he decided on a move to Manchester and despite United's efforts to lure the 16-year-old, they felt they were already behind Liverpool in the race for him and eventually conceded defeat.

Liverpool searching for new loans performance analyst

The arrival of Arne Slot sparked a complete overhaul of the staff that will work with the squad left by Klopp in a bid to bring more silverware back to Anfield.

Liverpool's bid to enhance their staff even more has been made apparent once again in recent days with Liverpool eyeing up a Loans Performance Analyst after advertising the role on Linkedin.

The description of the job outlines that the club are looking for someone with a proven track in PDP phases at a Category 1 or 2 Academy or within a first-team environment to join Liverpool and be the key connection between the players on loan and the staff at the AXA Training Ground and Academy, using video and analytics data.

With club talents Giorgi Mamardashvili and Stefan Bajcetic currently out on loan, Liverpool seem to be making extra efforts to ensure they are looked after

United legend Paul Scholes convinced of Liverpool title credentials

Many people expected the Reds to drop off significantly after losing Jurgen Klopp who left the club after nine years, but Arne Slot has dispelled any myths that Liverpool won't be competitive this season.

Speaking on the Overlap alongside Jamie Carragher, Paul Scholes claims the believes Liverpool are his new favourites to win the Premier League this year.

He said: "I think Liverpool might have something to say about it.

"Seeing Liverpool first-hand live [at Old Trafford], I thought, wow, what a squad of players that is."

Federico Chiesa stuns on Liverpool debut

Liverpool recorded a comfortable victory over West Ham United and there were plenty of things that will have caught the eye.

The performance of Federico Chiesa was perhaps the most notable with the Italian very much impressing on his first start for the Reds.

But there were plenty of other stand-out performers as well.

You can read the full ratings for all the Liverpool players involved in the game below.

Liverpool get Brighton draw in Carabao Cup

Following the conclusion of the game at Anfield on Tuesday night, the draw took place for the fourth round with former Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp and Kevin Nolan picking the balls from the bowl live on Sky Sports.

The Reds were paired with Brighton and Hove Albion in a game which will take place away from home at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton beat Wolves, 3-2, in the third round and tricky tie lies in store for Arne Slot and his Liverpool team.

The Seagulls are currently seventh in the Premier League table under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, unbeaten after five matches.

They won their opening two fixtures, handing their new boss a Manager of the Month award ahead of Slot, but are currently on a run of three drawn games in a row.