Liverpool are facing the prospect of losing goalkeeper Alisson Becker to Juventus this summer and have identified Robin Roefs as their top target to replace him.
The Reds have been linked with the Sunderland ‘keeper before, and sources with ties to the agents industry have today informed me that the interest is concrete and getting stronger.
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When I reported on Alisson’s potential Liverpool exit earlier this week I was told that there was not currently a plan to replace him, with Giorgi Mamardashvili tipped to take over as number one if the Brazilian were to move on.
It is also worth stressing again that LFC would prefer to keep Alisson, but sources have today clarified that the club are not ruling out moving for another ‘keeper, with Roefs very well thought of inside Anfield.
Race hots up for Robin Roefs transfer
While there are slightly mixed messages on this at the moment, it seems worth sharing that one very well-placed source has told me Liverpool are stepping up their interest in Roefs in order to anticipate interest from Chelsea.
The Blues are also big admirers of the 23-year-old Dutchman, and are in the market for a new ‘keeper this summer to replace the unconvincing Robert Sanchez.
Mike Maignan has been linked again with Chelsea though I’m told those links are not concrete as of now, with the French shot-stopper only recently signing a new contract at the San Siro.
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“Roefs has won himself a lot of admirers with his performances at Sunderland,” one source said. “Liverpool are open to bringing in a new ‘keeper if Alisson leaves, and he’s someone they’re really keen on. Chelsea will be there too, but Liverpool want to be first.”
What next for Robin Roefs?
There are a lot of moving parts to this story, and if Alisson ends up staying at Liverpool then it’s perhaps hard to see that deal materialising, paving the way for Chelsea.
Still, Juventus’ interest in Alisson is concrete and seems to be heading in a positive direction, so we could be set for an intriguing battle here.
For the moment, I can’t confirm if Roefs is looking to leave or not, but several sources believe Sunderland would realistically have to listen to offers of around £35m for the Netherlands Under-21 international.
Chelsea need a new number one, that’s for sure, so perhaps he could be set for Stamford Bridge, but he might also be tempted to wait for better offers given the Blues’ difficult season and likelihood of missing out on European football.
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