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Liverpool downgrade goalkeeper transfer ambitions with two new targets

By David Gate

SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 19: Bernd Leno of Germany looks on during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group B match between Australia and Germany at Fisht Olympic Stadium on June 19, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 19: Bernd Leno of Germany looks on during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group B match between Australia and Germany at Fisht Olympic Stadium on June 19, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Liverpool are lowering their ambitions for a new goalkeeper by switching their attentions to transfer moves for two new targets.

After months of speculation it looks like Liverpool are finally balking from breaking their transfer record for a goalkeeper. The clubs of their two main targets are holding fast to huge transfer fees; Atletico Madrid are not selling Jan Oblak unless his £100 million release fee is met; AS Roma are using interest from Real Madrid and Chelsea to push the price of Alisson Becker up to £80 million.

Rather than shell out a world record transfer fee for a goalkeeper they are shifting to two new more attainable targets. Dave Maddock of the Mirror is claiming that Liverpool will be returning to a familiar source, Southampton, for a new goalie by considering Alex McCarthy.

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Despite being 28-years-old McCarthy only has 41 Premier League appearances to his name. He replaced Fraser Forster this season, helping The Saints avoid relegation. Any move would be difficult with Liverpool’s complicated relationship with Southampton. Neither club wants a repeat of last year’s Virgil van Dijk transfer saga.

The drop from Alisson and Oblak to McCarthy is a chasm and almost a pointless move unless the club is genuinely worried about the future of Loris Karius. Therefore a rumored move for Bayer Leverkusen stopper Bernd Leno makes more sense for the Reds.

According to BILD, the German international would be available for around £25 million. He missed out on a place in the Germany World Cup squad but that could suit Liverpool; Jurgen Klopp would like as much pre-season with his team as he can gather. A move for his countryman would meet that desire.

Next: 5 Reasons Fekir Will Choose Liverpool Over Chelsea

Liverpool are making big strides in the transfer market this summer with Naby Keita and Fabinho confirmed reinforcements to the midfield. A deal for Nabil Fekir will hopefully be wrapped by the end of this week with Xherdan Shaqiri another possible addition.