Liverpool ready to rival three clubs in chase for star Championship keeper

Oli Fisher
CARDIFF, WALES - SEPTEMBER 02: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal scores his team's third goal past Neil Etheridge of Cardiff City during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Arsenal FC at Cardiff City Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Liverpool are considering a swoop for Cardiff City’s Neil Etheridge as they look for a new back-up goalkeeper, a report claims.

Recent speculation has suggested that Simon Mignolet will be leaving Anfield in a £15million deal this summer after becoming understandably agitated by a lack of playing time.

Meanwhile, Loris Karius remains on loan in Turkey having joined Besiktas on a two-year loan deal last summer, meaning Jurgen Klopp will have to sign a new deputy to Alisson.

Young Reds stopper Caoimhin Kelleher is being tipped for a bright future at the club, but Klopp wants a veteran presence on board to allow the young Irishman to continue his development.

A number of possible targets have emerged, including Werder Bremen stopper Jiri Pavlenka and Hull City veteran David Marshall.

Now, a fresh name has cropped up in Cardiff goalkeeper Etheridge, who is apparently attracting interest from a number of clubs.

A report from WalesOnline states that Liverpool have made an enquiry over the Philippines international but have ‘not yet launched a formal approach’.

Aston Villa apparently had an £8million bid rejected by the Bluebirds but they ‘remain Etheridge’s preferred destination’, while Fulham and West Ham have also been credited with interest.

The Cardiff no.1 recently hinted to the Filipino press that he wouldn’t mind being a back-up if it meant a move back to the top flight.

“You’re one step away, you’re one injury away, a couple of training sessions away from getting that No. 1 shirt, so there are how many ways you must look at it,” the 29-year-old said.

“You sit on the bench in the Premier League for one week, you could be playing for the rest of the season if the No. 1 at that time had a bad game.”

 

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