Bayern Munich target Liverpool's Ngumoha after missing out on Man United's JJ Gabriel

Bayern Munich are preparing to revive their interest in Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha ahead of the January transfer window, German outlet BILD reports, with the Bundesliga giants looking to sign a back-up to Luis Diaz.

Ngumoha, 18, has become a regular presence in Liverpool’s squad this season, making 13 appearances across all competitions and starting all four of the club’s Champions League fixtures. He contributed two assists in last month’s 4-3 victory over Villarreal and has since earned a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.

Bayern had already shown interest in Ngumoha during the summer transfer window, but Liverpool rejected any approach at that stage, with the German club ultimately signing Ismael Saibari instead. The renewed pursuit comes after Bayern appear to have missed out on Manchester United prospect JJ Gabriel, who is closing in on a move to Real Madrid after requesting to leave Old Trafford in September, reportedly frustrated by a lack of first-team opportunities.

Gabriel, 16, is considered one of the most highly-rated teenagers in European football. In three appearances for United’s youth sides this season he has scored five goals and registered two assists, including a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League against Sabah. Bayern were among the clubs linked with the youngster, but he has opted for a move to Spain.

Ngumoha is not the only name on Bayern’s January shortlist. BILD names FC Porto’s Oskar Pietuszewski — described as the priority target — Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Wael Mohya as further options the club are monitoring.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has spoken warmly of Ngumoha’s development, praising the teenager’s willingness to add new dimensions to his game after the Villarreal win. “He has changed the sides a lot and has played a lot on the right lately,” Iraola said. “He’s feeling so comfortable now and he’s adding even some shots with the left foot — he hasn’t scored but he’s getting there, and if he can add these small things to his game it will put him in an even better position.”

Whether Liverpool would entertain any offer for a player who has quickly established himself as a first-team fixture remains to be seen. The club rebuffed Bayern’s summer advances, and Ngumoha’s growing importance to Iraola’s side suggests any January deal would face significant resistance.