Liverpool have revved up their pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, according to the Daily Mirror.
The national newspaper claim that the Reds have stepped up their interest in him as they are considering the £18m-rated shot-stopper as they continue their search to find a new No.1.
The Daily Mirror report that Jurgen Klopp’s side are eager to find out more about Pope’s mentality and personality ahead of a potential move to Anfield, so have conducted several background checks on the keeper.
Good move for Liverpool?
Pope is clearly one of the most promising cheaper options that the Reds can consider signing this summer and it’s hard to know if splashing the cash on him would be worthwhile.
The 26-year-old excelled at Turf Moor last season as he was fantastic in the majority of his 35 league appearances for Burnley and he is clearly capable of regularly performing in the Premier League.
Pope’s displays were so good that he now finds himself in Russia with the England squad and if he is good enough for his nation, then the Reds should at least consider him an option for them.
However he is not a drastic improvement on Loris Karius and it feels like the Reds would be better saving their money in order to spend more when a more experienced and better goalkeeper becomes available.
Live 4 Liverpool: 6/10
Likely to Happen?
There’s a least a chance this deal could happen as Klopp is no doubt determined to sign a new goalkeeper.
However it seems unlikely that Burnley would be willing to roll over and allow Pope to move to Anfield without making sure they got the most money they possibly could get for him.
If Pope is rated as being worth £18million then it would be no surprise to see his side hold out for a fee above £20m as everyone knows that the Reds are very keen to sign a shot-stopper.
It’s worth nothing that the Reds could be reluctant to move for Pope based on this report as while background checks are standard procedure, it does make clear that there are potential concerns about whether he has the mentality needed to be a Reds player.
Live 4 Liverpool rating: 4/10
