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Ben Woodburn commits future to Liverpool by signing long-term deal

Ben Woodburn has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool, the club have confirmed.

Liverpool announced on Wednesday that Woodburn, the club's youngest-ever goalscorer, had "committed his long-term future" to the club.

Woodburn signed a three-year contract last November, which was the maximum length allowed for a player of his age, and after turning 18 earlier this month, put pen to paper on his new contract at Melwood on Wednesday afternoon.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to sign a new contract with Liverpool," Woodburn told the club's official website.

"This is the club I want to stay at and be here as long as possible. When I was told, all I wanted to do was sign the contract.

"It feels good. Now I just want to carry on and hopefully show the manager what I can do."

Manager Jurgen Klopp added: "This is brilliant news, although without sounding complacent about it, it is absolutely not a surprise.

"Ben knows how committed we are to him and he and his family know this is the best environment for him to grow, learn more and become even better and better.

"What a talent this young man is. We don't call him the Prince of Wales for nothing, although judging by his facial expression when we do he would probably be happy if we stopped with this!

"Ben is that perfect balance of talent and attitude. One of either is OK -- to fulfil your potential at the very highest level you need to have the maximum of both.

"I like that he is prepared to be patient. He has already had some big playing moments, for Liverpool and of course Wales. But when we ask him to go to the academy and do things like play for Stevie's [Gerrard] U19s in the UEFA Youth League, on nights we play Champions League football, he approaches it so well."

Woodburn has been a Liverpool player since under-7s level and has made 10 first-team appearances in total.

He made history last season when he scored against Leeds United in a League Cup tie at the age of 17 years and 45 days, beating Michael Owen's record.

Chester-born Woodburn represents Wales at international level and has four caps to his name after scoring on his debut in September.