Liverpool are reportedly preparing to make a move for Ron-Robert Zieler, the Hannover 96 goalkeeper, according to a journalist from Merseyside. The Reds have been interested in Zieler since 2013, when they were looking for a replacement for Pepe Reina, but a deal never materialised. Instead, he stayed with Hannover before eventually moving to Leicester City in 2016 and then back to Germany. Recent reports from BILD have suggested that the imminent arrival of Jorg Schmadtke as sporting director has only fuelled speculation of Liverpool’s interest in Zieler. David Lynch, a Liverpool journalist writing for Football Insider, has now confirmed the club’s interest in the 34-year-old goalkeeper ahead of the summer transfer window. It is reported that Liverpool have already contacted Zieler’s representatives to discuss a potential transfer, with Adrian’s contract set to expire and Caoimhin Kelleher attracting interest from other clubs. It is believed that Zieler recently triggered an appearance-based extension of his terms at Hannover, meaning he would have one year remaining on his contract. However, BILD has suggested that a seven-figure fee could be enough to sign him.
Liverpool are reportedly assessing a number of possible replacements for Kelleher and Adrian if they were to leave, with Zieler high on their list. Crucially, Zieler’s time at Manchester United as a youngster means he would qualify as a homegrown player in the Premier League, which could be invaluable for the club heading into the new season. James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain took up two of the club’s homegrown slots this season but are due to leave on the expiry of their contracts, while another, Nat Phillips, is also expected to leave. While Curtis Jones will be eligible as of this summer, Liverpool are required to further boost their quota, with the third-choice goalkeeper a popular solution across the English top flight.