It was shaping up to be a pretty interesting story, but sources close to Liverpool are reporting that the Reds are “baffled” by links to FC Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas and that news of a pre-contract agreement between the veteran shot-stopper and the club is unfounded.
Although there has been no official comment from either the Portuguese giants or the Anfield outfit, it’s sounding like the Spaniard won’t be ending up on the red half of Merseyside anytime soon. While there’s be constant speculation over the future of current incumbent Liverpool ‘keeper Simon Mignolet, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is apparently happy with the options available to him with German shot-stopper Loris Karius and young Welshman Danny Ward, who will return from a season long loan with newly promoted Huddersfield Town, at his disposal.
Nearing the end of his deal at the Estadio do Dragao, Casilas is said to be exploring his options with the option to leave on a free transfer available to him. The usual suspects in Turkey and China along with a rash of top level European clubs are sure to be interested in the 36-year old, but for the time being, Klopp has no interest in bringing him in on what would sure to be a short term — and potentially rather expensive — deal. With that being said, the Reds are set to be a ‘keeper short by the time pre-season rolls around with veteran goalie Alex Manninger, who was drafted in to the fold last summer from Bundesliga outfit FC Augsburg, calling time on a playing career that has spanned an impressive 22-years.
“There is a lot of talent here,” said the Austrian when asked about the Liverpool goalkeeping set-up. “I would say to them, ‘You’re only 18, keep watching John, keep watching the other ‘keepers.’,” explained the former Arsenal; and Juventus man, giving a word of advise to the youngsters. “The mixture is great and I am sure in the next five years there will be another goalie progress through the Liverpool teams.”
