Rumour Mill: Jurgen Klopp interested in three experienced goalkeepers

Despite the manager claiming the contrary, reports have suggested that Jurgen Klopp is interested in signing a new goalkeeper at Liverpool.

“I’m sorry to kill your stories about German goalkeepers, Stoke goalkeepers,” Klopp told reporters at the beginning of December.

“We are not looking for another goalkeeper.”

Whether the German has changed his mind over the course of a calamitous month or not, the rumour mill continues to churn out links between Liverpool and a host of goalkeepers around Europe.

As we head into the new year and the January transfer window, three experienced options have been thrown up as potential replacements to current senior ‘keepers Simon Mignolet and Adam Bogdan.

First up is Galatasaray’s Fernando Muslera who, according to the Express is subject of much speculation within the Turkish media.

James Gray claims that Klopp is weighing up a £15 million move for the Uruguay international.

Muslera is said to have been a target for Manchester United amid uncertainty around David de Gea’s future over the summer, with the asking price then touted as £35 million, but as their interest subsides Liverpool could nip in.

Muslera is a talented, 29-year-old shot-stopper, and was the Turkish Super Lig’s Player of the Season for 2014/15.

At £15 million, it would be a gamble, but as a commanding, authoritative goalkeeper, he could be a better option than Mignolet.

A less appealing option, however, is Marseille’s Steve Mandanda, who is said to be available for just under £3 million.

That is according to French publication L’Equipe, who have made the predictable link of a goalkeeper entering the last six months of his contract and a club possibly seeking a new No. 1.

Mandanda was one of Europe’s most solid goalkeepers in his prime, and has amassed over 400 appearances for Marseille.

But his drop in form in recent seasons has been alarming, and though he still represents a reasonable option for the Ligue 1 side, he is far from the replacement needed at Anfield.

With the Mirror suggesting that Norwich City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have all expressed an interest, the 30-year-old may have found his level.

If Klopp is looking for a mere stopgap while he prepares for the return of the impressive Danny Ward, links with AC Milan’s veteran goalkeeper Diego Lopez could be intriguing.

Reports in Italy are said to claim the Reds have been “given the green light” to move for former Real Madrid man Lopez.

Milan are thought to be looking to finance a move for Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel, and as a result could allow Lopez to leave the club in January.

Despite being 34 years old, Lopez’s quality would demand a starting role at Liverpool.

Boasting significant top-level experience and the authority and dexterity to thrive in the Premier League, Lopez could be a strong signing by the Reds.

Of course, as Klopp says, Liverpool aren’t looking for a new No. 1…