Liverpool: Another signing confirmed; Schalke youngster targeted; second club in for Allen

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Kicking-off Friday’s Liverpool round-up is the breaking news that the Reds have completed the signing of veteran goalkeeper Alex Manninger on a one-year contract.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the 39-year-old has been training with the Reds at Melwood following his release from FC Augsburg, and is now set to be Jurgen Klopp’s third-choice ‘keeper for the new season, behind Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet.

Few are likely to remember, but Manninger is already familiar with English football, having played for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002 in the Premier League. Indeed, he was part of the Gunners’ double-winning side of 1998 under Arsene Wenger.

His arrival at Anfield is unlikely to stir any cages. After all, he will rarely feature for the Reds. Nonetheless, he provides an experienced back-up option, should anything happen to Klopp’s first-two choices between the sticks.

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp is believed to be eyeing a £28 million move for Schalke starlet Max Meyer according to reports in Germany. Indeed, Sport Bild claim that the Reds boss has enquired about the availability of the 20-year-old attacking midfielder having been an admirer of the youngster’s talents from his time in the Bundesliga.

One would imagine, that any deal here would be dependent on the situation with Newcastle United’s Georginio Wijnaldum. The Reds are expected to complete the signing of the Netherlands international very soon. However, should it fall through, Meyer is likely to be the next man on Klopp’s shortlist.

The club already boast an abundance of talented midfield options, with the likes of Philippe Coutino, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana, meaning there is little need for two more additions in this department, especially if Wijnaldum is to complete a move to Merseyside.

Meyer made 32 appearances for Schalke last season, scoring five goals and providing eight assists. He is a tricky midfielder, very much in the mold of the aforementioned Coutinho, who loves to keep possession of the ball, jinking in and out of the opposition defence with his quick feet and creative eye.

Finally, The BBC are reporting that Swansea City are considering a bid for their former midfielder Joe Allen after Liverpool accepted a £13 million offer from Stoke City for his services. After the Welsh outfit’s American takeover was completed earlier this week, the talented 26-year-old could be the new board’s first signing, and as such, they are ready to rival Mark Hughes’ Potters for his signature.

The Anfield faithful will undoubtedly be unhappy to see Allen leave. He has become a fan favourite in recent times, with his performances in France this summer further embedding this notion. He is a player that suits the style of football Jurgen Klopp is looking to play, to a T, and it would be a surprise to see him sold, especially for a price as low as many news outlets are suggesting.

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