Liverpool intensify pursuit of £18million Alisson alternative

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Liverpool are looking closer to home as they seek a long-term solution to their goalkeeping woes.

The Reds remain on the search for a new no.1 to replace Loris Karius following his torrid Champions League final against Real Madrid last month.

Kiev staged a potentially defining night in the German’s Anfield career, with the club subsequently launching an effort to find some reliable security between the sticks.

Interest in Roma’s Alisson was recently diffused after Jurgen Klopp was put off by an £80million price-tag that even Real Madrid are evidently reluctant to pay.

Liverpool have now intensified their interest in Burnley’s £18million-rated Nick Pope as an alternative to the Brazilian, according to the Mirror.

Loris Karius – image by Liverpoolfc.com

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Pope enjoyed a superb season under Sean Dyche, exceeding expectations to retain his starting spot beyond Tom Heaton’s return from injury.

The 26-year-old was rightly rewarded with a place in Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad on the back of 13 clean sheets in 38 appearances across all competitions.

 

His experience as a starter in the Premier League elevates him as a cut-price bargain if reports of his £18million valuation are to be taken seriously.

Though there have been doubts over his ability with the ball at his feet, last season saw him showcase more desirable traits among his catalogue of reaction saves and successful one-on-one scenarios.

It remains to be seen whether Klopp will finally hand Danny Ward a chance to assert himself as starting material, with Simon Mignolet expected to depart in the summer.

Pre-season could be a telling opportunity for the Welshman to stake his claim, with rumours surrounding Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha, Barcelona’s Jasper Cillessen and now Pope typifying Liverpool’s wide-spread scouting mission to find a new shot-stopper.

More Stories Loris Karius Nick Pope Simon Mignolet