Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a January move for former Real Madrid keeper Diego Lopez, who is currently on loan at Espanyol.
Spanish publication Sport have picked up a Daily Star report that Liverpool are interested in former Real Madrid shot-stopper Diego Lopez. The Spanish veteran is currently plying his trade at La Liga outfit Espanyol, but could soon be heading to the Premier League with Liverpool eyeing a January deal for the player.
Diego Lopez is a 35-year-old keeper who has gone through his whole footballing career as a journeyman of sorts. The player came through the ranks at Real Madrid before moving to Villarreal in search of first-team football. The custodian had promising spells at Villarreal and then Sevilla before earning a move back to his former home Real Madrid.
But after only one and a half years, the 35-year-old chose to move to AC Milan on a free transfer – Lopez’s first venture outside of Spain. The player was the first-choice keeper at the start but failed to capitalise on his opportunities and the emergence of Gianluigi Donnarumma pushed the veteran back down the pecking order.
Now Lopez has left San Siro on loan to Espanyol at the start of this season in search of first-team minutes. And a return to La Liga seems to have reinvigorated the 35-year-old, with the veteran keeping 7 shutouts in 14 league appearances for the Catalan side.
Liverpool are on a marauding run but have seen their fair share of troubles in the goalkeeping department. Simon Mignolet has had very shaky performances this season while new arrival Loris Karius has not been particularly impressive either.
With a title challenge on the cards, Jurgen Klopp is now looking to add the experienced custodian in January to his ranks at Anfield to strengthen the goalkeeping department. The Reds are reported to be looking to shorten Diego Lopez’s loan spell at Espanyol and earn a transfer for the 35-year-old.
The prospective transfer, though, has many difficulties left to be ironed out. Liverpool first have to convince AC Milan to cut the loan deal short and recall him to the club. Then, the Reds must interest Diego Lopez in agreeing a switch to England.
As per the report, Diego Lopez has iterated his happiness at being able to stay in Spain and has also stated that his family has settled well in the Catalan region. Thus, a transfer may be very difficult to achieve for Liverpool.
But with the title challenge looming, Liverpool are likely to have a go at it and may just be able to convince Diego Lopez by the prospect of a chance to get his hands on the much coveted Premier League trophy, which may appeal to the keeper, who is yet to add a league medal to his career.
