Liverpool have set up a meeting with Valencia for this week as they look to snap up Giorgi Mamardashvili, according to Deportes COPE (via Relevo).
The Spanish news outlet claim that the Reds are prepared to pay up to €30m (£26m) for the Georgian international.
Mamardashvili was a standout performer for his country at the European Championships and he also had an excellent domestic season for Valencia, winning many plaudits.
However, Los Ches have been looking to cash in on the keeper all summer, having already recruited his replacement: Stole Dimitrievski from Rayo Vallecano on a free transfer.
Will there be competition for Mamardashvili’s signature?
The two teams that have been most heavily linked with the 23-year-old in recent months are Chelsea and Newcastle, but neither side are expected to compete with Liverpool for his services now.
The Blues opted to recruit Villarreal’s Filip Jorgensen instead, while the Magpies currently have five keepers on their books, having brought in Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest and John Ruddy from Birmingham City this summer.
Bournemouth are the only other team who could compete with Arne Slot‘s side, but the Reds would be favourites in a head-to-head battle for Mamardashvili.
What does this mean for Alisson’s future at Liverpool?
The Reds are not seeking to replace No.1 Alisson Becker at this stage but sporting director Richard Hughes is clearly planning for the future.
With the shot-stopper turning 32 in October, and speculation that clubs in Saudi Arabia want to sign him, bringing in Mamardashvili would give Liverpool added protection if Alisson decides to leave.
Even so, it is up for debate whether the Brazilian would see things the same way. Paying that much money for a new keeper could unsettle the club’s current first choice.
