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What's the rumour?
Liverpool have shortlisted several players in their plans for the upcoming transfer window. One of the positions that will need reinforcement is that of the goalkeeper and they are set to face a battle in the summer with Italian club Napoli for AS Roma keeper Alisson Becker, according to talkSPORT.
The Brazilian has a contract with Roma until the year 2021 and it was reported earlier that Roma will be asking a price of £62 million for the shot-stopper.
In case you didn't know...
AS Roma signed Alisson in July 2016 from Internacional. He made 15 appearances in all competitions in his debut season in Rome, with 10 of them being in the UEFA Europa League.
He failed to play in the Serie A last season as he was primarily a backup to then No. 1, Wojciech Szczesny and got his chances only in Europe and cup competitions.
The heart of the matter
After the departure of Szczesny to Juventus, the Brazilian became the first choice in goal for the Romans. He has grabbed the opportunity with both hands and has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Italy's top flight.
This campaign, he has made 35 appearances across the league and Champions League, keeping 15 clean sheets in the process and has conceded a total of 31 goals. He averages one clearance and a stunning eight long balls per game in all competitions.
The biggest strengths of the 25-year-old are his long passing, ability to make saves from close range and his reflexes. His impressive performances for club led to him earning him a call-up to the national team in 2015.
Rumour rating: 7/10
The goalkeeping position is an area of concern for Liverpool with the rotation and indecent form of both Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet. Meanwhile, the Merseysiders are in the hunt for Stoke City goalkeeper, Jack Butland also.
Napoli's interest in Alisson is due to the fact that the expiring contract of Pepe Reina will not be extended and he looks set for a move to AC Milan in the summer.
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Author's take
In the past, Roma have sold their best players which has resulted in them ending up short every season. If they wish to achieve success, they must hang on to Alisson instead of landing in a situation where they will have to go searching for a new goalkeeper again.
As per Liverpool, they should make the move for Jack Butland. The deal will be tempting for the Englishman which may cause him to force a move and he would also welcome a bigger challenge in his career.
