Liverpool looking to beat LaLiga giants to free transfer Sevilla signing
Liverpool are reportedly looking to beat three LaLiga giants to the free transfer signing of Sevilla goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor this summer.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is expected to freshen up the position below No.1 Alisson this summer, despite talk that veteran stopper Adrian could be handed a new deal. To that end, Klopp wants more competition alongside Irish youngster Caoimhin Kelleher, who impressed when called upon this season.
Pastor currently sits behind undisputed Sevilla No.1 Yassine Bounou, who is regarded as one of the best keepers in Spain.
The 20-year-old has struggled for regular game time this season. However, he did feature in a 4-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea back in December.
However, Pastor’s eye-catching displays at youth level, means there are no shortage of takers for his signature.
AS reports that the Reds are confident of snapping up the former Spain U-17 star when his contract runs out. The report adds that Pastor would feature for Barry Lewtas’ U-23 side before eventually being pushed into the first-team fold.
May 17 Transfer Chatter: Man Utd to pay for Varane and Arsenal plan summer clearout
Man Utd will pay the £60m asking price for Raphael Varane and want more defenders, while Arsenal look set to let David Luiz and Willian go in the summer.
But Liverpool will have some serious competition on their hands to land the player. AS adds that Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are also keen.
If Pastor does arrive on Merseyside then Adrian would almost certainly be offloaded. The 34-year-old has been linked with a return to Spain over the past few months.
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Liverpool coach reveals part in Alisson heroics
Meanwhile, Liverpool coach John Achterberg has spoken about the part he played in Alisson Becker’s crazy stoppage-time winner against West Brom on Sunday.
The Brazilian became the first goalkeeper to score in the club’s illustrious history after heading home Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘s late corner to claim a vital three points in the race for a top-four finish. The Reds are now a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea with only two games remaining.
Eyebrows were raised when Alisson initially ran up for the set-piece, considering the scores were level at the time and Jurgen Klopp’s men would have remained in contention for a Champions League spot even if they had dropped points at the Hawthorns.
But Reds goalkeeping coach Achterberg has revealed it was his decision to send the Brazilian up.
“I looked at my watch, 94, and I thought it was going to be the last kick of the game,” the Dutchman said. “We needed to win, so I shouted, ‘Get up, get in the box!’ to him!
“I didn’t see Ali looking to the bench to see if he should go up before I shouted; I just thought we had nothing to lose and we needed to put everything into the box we had.
“My reaction was like everyone else’s – jumping around like mad, last minute, winning goal, that’s how it is!
“The technique… he is natural in everything he does, playing and heading. It was a great finish.
“You’re just so happy for him to do it but also for the team. We kept fighting, creating chances but not scoring them. The opponent made it difficult for us, so you have to find a way to overcome it. Ninety-fourth minute and nothing to lose…”
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