RB Leipzig's interest in Liverpool and Super Eagles-eligible winger Rio Ngumoha suffered a significant setback, with the Premier League champions reportedly unwilling to sanction the teenager's departure during the summer transfer window.
The Bundesliga side had emerged as one of the clubs monitoring the highly-rated youngster following his impressive breakthrough campaign at Anfield.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in securing the services of the talented winger.
Ngumoha enjoyed a remarkable debut season with Liverpool, registering two goals and one assist in 19 Premier League appearances.
Despite Liverpool enduring a challenging campaign under manager Arne Slot, the 17-year-old established himself as one of the club's brightest young prospects and attracted attention from several top European clubs.
According to German journalist Philipp Hinze, Leipzig made enquiries about the England youth international in recent weeks as they explored options to strengthen their attacking department ahead of the new season.
However, any potential move has proven difficult to materialise.
Reports indicate that Liverpool have no intention of parting ways with one of their most promising academy graduates, while the ambition and financial requirements involved in completing a transfer have also complicated matters for the German outfit.
The combination of Liverpool's firm stance and the overall cost of a deal has effectively placed Ngumoha out of reach for Leipzig at this stage of the transfer window.
Despite the setback, Leipzig have not completely ruled out the possibility of pursuing the winger should circumstances change before the close of the summer transfer market.
For now, Ngumoha, who is also eligible to play for Nigeria, remain focused on his development at Liverpool.
The youngster, is expected to continue his progress under Andoni Iraola next season as he looks to further establish himself in Liverpool's first team and build on the promise he displayed during his breakthrough campaign.
Adeyemi Adewale
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