Friday, December 07, 2012

Liverpool Want Ron-Robert Zieler To Replace Reina

Liverpool are reportedly considering replacing Pepe Reina with German goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler in the January transfer window, while Jack Butland is also a target for the Reds.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has been unsure about Reina's suitability as his No.1 since arriving at the club in the summer and has now identified to candidates to replace the Spaniard, reports the Daily Mail.

The Liverpool boss reportedly wants to recruit a 'keeper able to replace Reina for the long-term, with a transfer swoop for either Zieler or Butland being penciled in for January.

Hannover shot-stopper Zieler, capped twice by Germany, has a £12.2 million release clause written into his contract with the Bundesliga club, so Liverpool would have to make a sizeable investment if Rodgers wants to bring the 23-year-old to Anfield.

Zieler began his career as a trainee at Manchester United but only made the first-team bench once before Sir Alex Ferguson allowed the German to leave Old Trafford for Hannover in the summer of 2010.

Butland, meanwhile, impressed during the Olympics as Great Britain's No.1 and the 19-year-old has established himself as Lee Clark's first-choice at Birmingham this season.

In the case of Butland, however, Liverpool are likely to be contested by Premier League rivals if they decide to pursue the teenager, with West Ham and Manchester City also linked with the England international.

No comments: