You would think the resurgence of Liverpool ‘keeper Loris Karius would start to stifle talk of the Reds looking for a new shot-stopper, but with the end of the campaign and the start of silly season just over the horizon, rumours linking the Merseysiders with a move for AS Roma man Alisson has only ratcheted up.
The Brazilian, who looks set to go to the World Cup in Russia this summer, is one of the hottest names in world football right now with his impressive performances for the Giallorossi peaking the interest of the likes of Real Madrid. Maybe they won’t be able to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico for the long term, but that hasn’t stopped the Serie A outfit from trying as they try to get him to sign a new deal — something that apparently isn’t going so well.
“Alisson is certainly one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He loves Roma, 100 per cent,” said his agent Ze Maria Neis. “Will he sign a new contract? Now he is focused only in Serie A and on the Champions League,” he explained, expertly dodging the question. “We have a great relationship with Roma. We never spoke with Liverpool about him. Now Alisson only thinks in present time,” added his agent, refusing to rule out a move away from the Eternal City. “I don’t know how much he will cost. It depends about Roma and the transfer market.”
In to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and looking almost certain to secure a spot in there for next season with a top four finish, the Reds will be playing the market this summer as they look to secure their first title of the Premier League era. Adding another face or two to their defense will be a priority for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, but after allowing Philippe Coutinho to join Barcelona in January, replacing the Brazilian and adding a bit of guile to his attack will be high on his agenda.
As the price tag for AS Monaco attacker Thomas Lemar inflates and questions arise over Borussia Dortmund talisman Marco Reus, the name of Real Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez has started to be thrown around as a potential target, but the Spaniard — who is finding himself getting more and more time in the first team — doesn’t sound keen on leaving the Santiago Bernabéu anytime soon.
“I’m very happy at Real Madrid, this is the team that made me the player I am today and I hope I can stay here for many years,” the 26-year old told Onda Cero. “I’m playing the best football since I arrived at Madrid and I’m contributing to the team while also getting good results,” added Vazquez, understanding that there’s always going to be competition for a starting spot when it comes to Los Blancos. “This is Real Madrid and we know that this club will always sign the greatest players and nobody will make things easy for you.”
