Liverpool ideal destination for Barcelona back-up Cillessen

Jurgen Klopp is reportedly ready to make a move for Barcelona number two, Jasper Cillessen.

The Netherlands international has failed to usurp Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the first choice at Camp Nou, and it’s thought he has now asked to leave.

Klopp needs an experienced and safe pair of hands minding the nets at Anfield and Cillessen certainly meets every criteria needed.

His failure to bump Ter Stegen from the number one spot at the Catalan giants shouldn’t be a massive drawback. The Germany international is one of the best keepers in the world.

And whenever Cillessen has stepped in for the 26-year-old, he has generally performed brilliantly. The former Ajax stopper is far too good to be a bench-warmer and at 29-years-old is entering his prime years.

Current Reds first choice keeper Loris Karius has had his much-publicised issues on Merseyside. The former Mainz ace dropped a pair of clangers in the Champions League Final against Real Madrid.

Simon Mignolet is out of favour and not likely to break back into the reckoning. And Klopp is thought to prefer to take Karius back out of the firing line for a period.

Media reports in Catalonia say Barca don’t want to lose Cillessen but are open to offers that suit both the club and the player.

And Reds fans should hope Klopp can get this one over the line. Quality and reliable keepers – as they well know – are hard to come by. And Cillessen fits the bill.

Obviously, he is a cracking shot-stopper, but he also commands his box well, and his distribution is first class. Also, importantly, the Dutchman rarely makes individual errors and keeps a cool head.

Chelsea are also believed to be in the hunt with Thibaut Courtois’ future in doubt. But after their transfer dealings over Philippe Coutinho, the Merseyside outfit should be able to steal a march on the Blues.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication