Despite a string of fine saves in yesterday’s narrow win over Stoke City, Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet remains on the chopping block with the Reds reportedly shopping around for a replacement, or, as they might say, competition for the Belgian when the transfer window re-opens in January.
The former Sunderland man has come under increased pressure this season with a number of high profile blunders putting the shot-stopper in an unflattering light. Of course, his case hasn’t been helped by Liverpool’s leaky defence, but the Anfield outfit is hoping that building from the back will help save their stuttering season and are reportedly keeping tabs on Stoke City number one Asmir Begovic and Chelsea bench-warmer Petr Cech.
While both seem unlikely to end up at Anfield in the New Year, that won’t stop speculation from mounting as we creep closer to the window re-opening. The Potters shot-stopper has kept only two clean sheets in 13-appearances for Mark Hughes side this season, but the Reds have a long standing interest in the Bosnian, who came close to moving to Merseyside two years ago before Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers made a move for Mignolet, and with promising prospect Jack Butland waiting in the wings, they could be tempted by the reported £15mil on the table for their own forays into the market.
While the Begovic story may have some legs — no matter how short — the Northern Irishman’s reported interest in Chelsea legend Cech has likely already been lopped off at the knees. The Czech ‘keeper has seen his role as nailed on starter change to eternal back-up with the return of Thibaut Courtois to Stamford Bridge, though the thought of the Blues letting him leave, especially for the £7mil they’re apparently willing to part with for his services, to shore up one of the Reds biggest weaknesses is borderline unfathomable. Remember when they let Daniel Sturridge sneak off to Anfield in Janaury? Fool them once…
