Liverpool Transfer News: Joe Hart Rumours Emerge, Latest on Victor Valdes Deal

Joe Hart has entered the final two years of his Manchester City contract, a situation which has led the press to link England's No. 1 with a move to Liverpool.

The Daily Mail's Joe Bernstein reports the potential deal, while also providing quotes from Hart over his future: "Anything about a new contract is news to me," said Hart. "I've heard nothing. I've got a year, nearly two years, left on my deal. That is all I am aware of."

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Bernstein also notes "Hart is worried about what might be causing the delay," saying negotiations would "normally be underway" at this point in the player's career.

Hart was dropped for a series of mistakes last season—most notably, his mistimed sprint off the line which allowed Fernando Torres to score a late winner for Chelsea—but has shown character to become a permanent fixture in the City side once more.

The stopper brushed off the threat of Costel Pantilimon before the Romanian joined Sunderland, but Pellegrini decided to purchase Willy Caballero during the summer. Hart was recently at fault for letting in a simple shot during the defeat to Stoke City, with Pellegrini saying he will decide who plays on a "game by game" basis, per Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail.

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Pellegrini also said he is "sure something will be sorted out with Joe," as reported by Bernstein.

Hart put in an excellent shift during the Champions League loss against Bayern Munich and was the only barrier between City receiving a whooping. He was cruelly beaten by a deflected Jerome Boateng winner and deserved more from a confident performance.

His willingness to battle and his self-belief may attract Brendan Rodgers, who had some telling words for current Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet. Often caught out from corners, Mignolet's inconsistencies were recently highlighted by a West Ham side who love to attack crosses.

"I think Simon is a bit laid back," Rodgers said prior to the match, as reported by Chris McKenna of the Daily Star. "The key thing is to make sure you are on the front foot and aggressive. We brought the nerves on ourselves at corners. We must get organised quickly."

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Former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes is also expected to gain attention from Rodgers, with McKenna suggesting the free agent could be offered a contract next month. The Spanish star will need to overcome his knee injury for this move to have any chance of going ahead, as Rodgers stands on the brink of a major coup.

The World Cup winner would certainly address any leadership concerns the manager currently has with Mignolet. Liverpool's defence is made up of physical, assertive defenders who aren't always reinforced by the timid Belgian. Although Mignolet's instincts often see him making key saves, his lack of aggression threatens to lose the club vital points this year.

Rodgers may look to strengthen his goalkeeping options beyond his current No. 1, as reserve Brad Jones rarely threatens to hold down a place in the team. World-class competition could be key to Mignolet improving in a season in which Liverpool will hope to qualify for the Champions League at the very least.