Young trio Kevin Stewart, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn sign new Liverpool contracts

Liverpool trio Kevin Stewart, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn have all signed new long-term deals with the Merseyside club.

Since his appointment at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has spoken enthusiastically of bridging the gap between the first-team and the club's youth ranks. Having already handed a number of youngsters the chance to impress for the senior side, the former Borussia Dortmund wants to ensure that steady flow continues and hopes the academy can deliver as many as 20 players in the coming years.

Stewart, 23, was one of a clutch of players recalled from loan spells last season by Klopp during a particularly desperate injury crisis. The former Tottenham Hotspur youth impressed the German upon his return to Anfield and was retained in the first-team squad this season, having made six appearances in all competitions for the Reds this term.

Alexander-Arnold, 18, featured in Klopp's match day squad on the opening day of the Premier League season against Arsenal and made his full debut at right-back in the EFL Cup fourth round victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Woodburn, 17, is yet to feature this season but did play under Klopp during the club's pre-season campaign.

Speaking to Liverpool's official website, Klopp described Stewart as an "important member of our first-team squad" and anticipates Alexander-Arnold and Wooburn eventually joining him.

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

"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."