It may have been an understrength Liverpool side that succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Swansea on Sunday afternoon, but their shocking defensive display will undoubtedly have worried manager Jürgen Klopp.
Klopp has recently suggested that strengthening the defence will be a priority for Liverpool this summer. With Schalke defender Joël Matip already arriving in the summer, and the likes of Martin Sktrel and Kolo Touré looking like they could be on their way out, there will be plenty of changes at Anfield this summer.
One area in particular that might need addressing is the goalkeeping position. Current first choice Simon Mignolet has come under massive criticism from supporters this year following a number of high-profile errors – and despite signing a new five year deal earlier in the season, it seems almost certain that the Belgian international is going to find himself competing with a new arrival in the summer.
To that end, German publication Bild are today reporting that not only are Liverpool interested in Cologne goalkeeper Timo Horn, but that Klopp has sent his chief scout Dave Fallows to run the rule over the player in his side’s 0-0 draw with Augsburg on Friday night.
Having said that, there is still a chance that Fallows could have been at the game to scout Horn’s teammate Jonas Hector, with whom Liverpool have also been credited with having an interest.
Nonetheless, Horn has been touted as a player that Klopp has reportedly been tracking for some time – he will be well aware of the young goalkeeper’s talents having faced him as Dortmund manager last season.
Horn has already indicated that he might be looking to leave Cologne this summer if it was the best thing for himself and his club, saying just this week:
“I think we will talk about it with the manager [Peter Stöger], Jörg Schmadtke and also the goalkeeper trainer and then we will see what comes next.”
Although Liverpool have been linked with the 22 year old, this is the first indication that they have been actively scouting the former German youth international.
Just a comparison between #Mignolet, Timo #Horn, Karius and Germany’s Number 1 – #LFC pic.twitter.com/zGJeYmmoz2
— LFCZA (@LFCZA) May 1, 2016
Horn has a growing reputation within the German game, and although he is contracted to Cologne for the next three years, his release clause of just €9million would be one that Liverpool could easily afford should they choose to firm up their interest.
Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, though if he does depart the Camp Nou this summer, Man City are firmly in the drivers seat for the German international’s signature.
Read More About: Bundesliga, cologne, jonas hector, Liverpool, liverpool news, liverpool transfer news, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Premier League, simon mignolet, timo horn
