Liverpool make U-turn over keeper – report

Ian Watson

Liverpool look likely to retain the services of back-up goalkeeper Simon Mignolet ahead of the new season.

Writing for The Times, Paul Joyce reports that Liverpool “expect” the Belgium stopper to remain at Anfield next season after “valuing his attitude and approach”.

The 31-year-old only made two appearances last season, not featuring in the Premier League and he was expected to move on this summer.

The arrival of Alisson, 26, from Roma last summer for £65million have severely restricted Mignolet’s opportunities, who was fighting it out with Loris Karius for the number one jersey in 2017-18.

Liverpool apparently placed a £15million valuation on the head of Mignolet with Watford, newly-promoted Norwich City and Bournemouth monitoring him, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

But such has been Mignolet’s attitude around Melwood that Klopp would like to retain the former Sunderland keeper, who signed a long-term contract in 2016.

The report says Mignolet is “highly regarded” by Klopp, the rest of Liverpool’s backroom staff and for the situation to change there would have to be a significant offer from a club which appeals to Mignolet.

Last month it was reported that Mignolet’s agent had been holding talks behind the scenes with both Standard Liege and Club Brugge, in a deal which would see him make a return to the Belgian Pro League for a fee of around £5million.