Liverpool transfer target held talks but sealed $19 million move to Juventus instead

Liverpool may need to be on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer, depending on what moves are made in the transfer market. And one player in that position who had been linked with a switch to Anfield has sealed a move elsewhere.

Alisson Becker has drawn interest from Saudi Arabia but it is not thought that the Brazilian will want to move anywhere else, with the Brazilian being very settled on Merseyside. Caoimhin Kelleher , meanwhile, has previously suggested that he could move on to get regular playing time — but his price tag is set to be substantial and it remains to be seen whether anyone will be prepared to pay it.

The talented Michele Di Gregorio completed a $19m (£15m/€18m) move to Juventus from fellow Serie A side Monza on Friday. And speaking to TV Play following the move, his agent, Carlo Belloni, claimed that Liverpool had been turned down by his client en route to sealing that transfer.

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"Yes, there were talks with Liverpool and obviously we were very pleased," Belloni claimed. "But we had given our word and we had clear ideas after Monza."

"We had no doubts about the choice after talking to [Juve sporting director, Cristiano] Giuntoli," he added. "We stayed loyal to Juve because that’s what he wanted, what Juve wanted.

"[New Juventus manager] Thiago Motta is a name that immediately made Di Gregorio [take notice]. That is the way it should be. They also awarded him as MVP at the Juventus Stadium and it was a dream fit."

Liverpool.com says: There is no way that Liverpool should think about losing Alisson even if a Saudi side puts a massive sum of money on the table. He wouldn't want to leave and the Reds wouldn't be able to find an upgrade.

In the case of Kelleher, it's tricky. Liverpool would struggle to find as good a second choice as the Irish shot stopper and even if it was possible, it would not be cheap. Convincing him to stay would be a major boost.