Underused Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward has emerged on the radar of Championship side Norwich City, in their pursuit of a new No. 1.
Ward made just one appearance for the Reds in 2017/18, a 90-minute outing in the 2-0 defeat to Leicester City in the League Cup third round in September.
He was an unused substitute on three other occasions, with only one of those coming in the Premier League, with the Welshman forced to make do with three league outings for the U23s.
This serves as a major setback for Ward, who also only featured once during pre-season, having played a pivotal role for Huddersfield Town in their promotion campaign in 2016/17.
Though Ward remains part of Ryan Giggs’ Wales squad, the rise of Harry Wilson into a key role following his successful loan spell with Hull City highlights the importance of regular game time.
He could be provided that at Carrow Road, with the Press Association’s Nick Mashiter reporting that he and Man United‘s Dean Henderson are on Norwich‘s radar this summer.
Last season’s first choice, Angus Gunn, has returned to parent club Man City and is unlikely to join the Canaries on a permanent basis.
Though it would be a step down for Ward, joining Daniel Farke’s side would revitalise a career that has stalled dramatically, with the stopper turning 25 later in June.
Given the uncertainty other the futures of both Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet this summer, Ward could be given an opportunity to impress Klopp in pre-season.
But it is highly unlikely he could be considered as Liverpool’s new No. 1, with Klopp so far giving no indication that he is in the frame.
The manager did describe Ward as “probably the best No. 3 [goalkeeper] in the whole of world football” last month, but that does little to enhance his prospects of moving up the pecking order.
Klopp’s connection with Farke—having both previously worked at Borussia Dortmund, albeit at different times—could smooth over any deal between the two clubs.
However, it could be that this is just the beginning of a host of sides approaching Liverpool for Ward’s services, and it could be argued that he is capable of staying in the Premier League.
The likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham and newly promoted Cardiff City could all benefit from signing the ex-Wrexham ‘keeper.
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