Kevin Stewart, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn have today committed their futures to Liverpool FC by signing long-term contracts with the club.

The trio have put pen to paper on the new deals with the Reds at Melwood – much to the delight of Jürgen Klopp, who feels it serves as a clear indication of the pathway between the Academy and the first-team set-up.

The manager said: "This is really positive news of course, and it's brilliant we have acted decisively to show our intent with our young players.

“With Kev it is maybe a little different. He is of course established with us now and making a contribution as an important member of our first-team squad.

“Trent spends most of his time with the first team in this moment and is progressing each and every day.

“Ben is in those earlier stages and has a lot of developing to do still - but wow, what an exciting talent he is.

“The most important thing for us is the pathway to the first team. I think we have shown that with the work Alex [Inglethorpe] and his staff do at the Academy, we offer a clear pathway to first-team football if the players embrace what is on offer for them. I cannot praise them [the Academy] enough for the culture and environment they have there. It is perfect.

“The players know that it's not just about ability: it's application and a willingness to keep learning.

“All three of these players are big talents and are at different stages of their development, but it is development that is key and they must continue to learn and improve to achieve their full potential.

“News like today makes it exciting for me and the first-team staff that their development will continue with us at LFC."

LFCTV GO: All you need to know about the trio

Stewart has established himself as a regular member of the first-team squad under the tutelage of Klopp following his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur in 2014.

To date, he’s made 17 appearances for Liverpool, most recently starting the EFL Cup fourth-round tie against his former club at Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold has been with the Reds’ Academy since the age of six and, having been a regular part of the club’s pre-season programme, was handed a competitive debut when he also was named in the starting XI for that League Cup encounter with Spurs last month.

Woodburn has also been involved with the club’s youth set-up since he was six years old. Now a regular with the U23s, the forward caught the eye during the summer when he scored twice for the first team during friendlies with Fleetwood Town and Wigan Athletic.