Hannover 96 coach Stefan Leitl has responded to rumours that Liverpool are trying to sign Ron-Robert Zieler.
As per Bild, the Reds are looking at the former Leicester City ‘keeper as a new back-up to Alisson Becker.
And upon hearing that Zieler was attracting interest from Liverpool, Leitl suggested that he wasn’t all that surprised.
“He has played himself into the focus…” the coach said, reportedly with ‘a broad grin on his face.’ “It’s a nice rumour to associate Hannover 96 with Liverpool.”
Hannover sporting director Marcus Mann also weighed in, claiming that he ‘hadn’t heard anything’ from Liverpool.
Zieler looking for a third spell in England?
This is yet another surprise rumour linking Liverpool with a back-up goalkeeper. Last week, it was claimed that they’re after SV Sandhausen ‘keeper Patrick Drewes.
Today, it’s the turn of another Bundesliga 2 goalie, albeit one who should be a little more familiar to Liverpool fans.
Zieler, who won the World Cup as third choice with Germany in 2014, has previously had two separate spells in England.
Unfortunately for him, neither were particularly fruitful. Firstly, he moved to Manchester United as a 16-year-old in 2005. But after five years and zero first team appearances, he left for Hannover.
Then, having played his way into the Germany squad, he was picked up by Leicester City in 2016.
Life at Leicester was slightly better for him – he made nine Premier League appearances over the course of the 2016/17 season. But having failed to dislodge Kasper Schmeichel, Zieler once again returned home, this time with Stuttgart.
Now, he’s once again impressing back at Hannover. Captaining the side in the second division, they’re currently sixth in the table.
Liverpool could be looking for a new No.2 this summer as the futures of Adrian and Caoimhin Kelleher hang in the balance. Perhaps the experienced Zieler could be a smart choice.
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