Liverpool Transfer News: Fernando Muslera Targeted, Sam Byram Rumours

Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera will reportedly be the subject of a January offer from Liverpool, according to reports.

Turkish outlet Kralspor (h/t Tom Olver of Metro) claims contact has already been made between the two clubs over a possible midseason move, with the Reds said to be willing to part with £15 million to bring the Uruguayan to Anfield.

Liverpool’s current first-choice goalkeeper Simon Mignolet divides opinion amongst the supporters, with many feeling as though manager Jurgen Klopp needs to bring in a new man between the sticks. Here’s why Muslera could be an ideal candidate if the Reds are on the hunt for a new stopper:

Mignolet’s performances have varied wildly in 2015. There are times, especially when it comes to shot-stopping, the Belgium international looks like one of the standout goalkeepers in the Premier League. Indeed, as we can see here courtesy of BreatheSport, no 'keeper in the division has kept his clean sheet intact more often this year:

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Simon Mignolet has now kept 15 clean sheets in the #BPL in 2015, more than any other goalkeeper #LFC pic.twitter.com/576SU3OMZE

— BreatheSport (@BreatheSport) December 26, 2015"

There are big question marks over other facets of Mignolet’s goalkeeping, though. When it comes to commanding his penalty area he can often be found wanting and regularly flaps at crosses. Set pieces have also long been a problem for the Sunderland man, with Liverpool looking vulnerable to routine balls into their penalty area with Mignolet in goal.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Muslera is a commanding goalkeeper and despite not being huge in somatotype, is authoritative when it comes to taking the pressure off his back four. His distribution is also superior to Mignolet’s; as OptaCan illustrates here, the 29-year-old is a goalkeeper who enjoys getting involved in general play, given he's capable with the ball at his feet:

However, Klopp doesn’t seem to be too concerned about Mignolet, having labelled him as “one of the smartest [goalkeepers] I have ever had,” per Jamie Jackson of the Guardian. So as talented an operator as Muslera is, it’d be surprising to see the Reds rush into the market to sign a new goalkeeper.

Liverpool Closing in on Sam Byram

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According to the Sun on Sunday Liverpool are close to completing a deal for Leeds United youngster Sam Byram, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Byram has been extremely impressive for the championship side this term, shining at both right-back and on the right of midfield. His manager, Steve Evans, told Sky Sports (h/t Lee Thomas-Mason of Metro) that he’s a brilliant character, but has encouraged the 22-year-old to sign an extension at Elland Road.

“He has to sign a contract,” said the Leeds boss. “We can’t just sit there and say the player controls the football club. We love the kid to bits, and I have said before that if he comes home with my daughter I will be quite proud. He is such a nice kid that you want him to do well but we want him to commit to his future.”

Daniel Smith/Getty Images

Previously, Leeds owner Massimo Cellino had castigated Byram for not penning a new deal with the club, saying he was “offended” he’s declined the chance to extend his contract, and that the player thinks the club is “not big enough for him,” per Sky Sports (h/t the Yorkshire Post).

On the pitch, Byram has been making steady progress recently, showing his attacking qualities on the right wing. As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, the Leeds man seems to be blossoming as a player:

For Liverpool, it’s tough to see where Byram would fit in initially, but for a footballer who possesses such versatility, in a long season he could definitely play his part. The Leeds man seems to be ready to make a step up to the Premier League too, and for a young English player, the chance to join the Reds is a prospect.

Although a tribunal would have to determine a potential fee for Byram further down the line if he was to agree to a deal with Liverpool, to sign him on a pre-contract would be excellent business for the Reds. At the moment, it certainly seems unlikely the youngster will be staying at Elland Road beyond this campaign.