Klopp about to bring new goalkeeper and midfielder this winter, signing imminent

Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland. The Reds have been linked with a move with the Stoke City goalkeeper as they continue to look for a goalkeeper to challenge Simon Mignolet for number one position. Butland, who is an established England international now, has produced a string of fine performances for the Potters this season. The 22-year-old has admitted that he is flattered with the talk linking him to Liverpool, but is happy to be at Stoke for now.

“I do want to play at the top but, at the minute, I can’t fault where I am,” Butland told Sky Sports. “I’m in a brilliant, brilliant squad who are playing extremely well and things are looking really bright for the club. Right now I can’t see any better place for me to be. I’m learning every week, I’m playing with some great players – the goalie coach [Andy Quy] I’m really happy with, and learning a lot from the staff as well. Personally, I’m very comfortable, very happy with where I am and I believe that we can do some really good things at Stoke so that’s where my sole focus is at the minute. Anything beyond that is purely speculation and rumours. It’s obviously wonderful to be linked with a club with the history like Liverpool, but this is where I am.”

Meanwhile, there is some encouraging news for the Reds on another transfer front.

Serbia’s Sportske Zurnal reports that Liverpool have been given encouragement in their pursuit of youngster Marko Grujic.

The 19-year-old plays for Red Star Belgrade and Liverpool scouts were present as the attacking midfielder helped his team beat Čukarički 7-2 at the weekend. The report claims that club officials also spent time with the player’s representatives after the game. Premier League club are already in the talks to sign the player, and a bid worth more than €5m is forthcoming.