Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp rules out Jack Butland and expresses faith in Simon Mignolet and Adam Bogdan

Jurgen Klopp has offered his public backing to Simon Mignolet and Adam Bogdan, claiming he is satisfied with Liverpool's goalkeeping situation amid rumours the club could be searching for a new number one ahead of the January transfer window. Jack Butland is the latest name to be linked with a possible move to Anfield, with Stoke manager Mark Hughes attempting to ward off any suitors by declaring a fee of £20m ($30.1m) would not represent fair value for his services.

Butland has taken every chance to showcase his considerable potential in the Premier League so far this term. Capitalising on his increased first-team opportunities in the wake of Asmir Begovic's summer departure to Chelsea, the 22-year-old has kept five clean sheets from 14 top-flight fixtures to date, in addition to providing a number of excellent saves and winning further senior caps for England against Lithuania and France.

As well as supposedly vying with the likes of Manchester United and Everton for the signature of Butland, recent speculation has also suggested Klopp is scouring his former stomping ground for potential upgrades. According to comments from ex-Liverpool stalwart Bruce Grobbelaar given to Talksport at the end of November, the manager is interested in two goalkeepers who are plying their trade in Germany as doubts remain as to Mignolet's ability to perform consistently at the top level.

Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been reported as another target, although Klopp insists he is not looking to make any such signings as he ponders which of his current options to start during the upcoming Capital One Cup quarter-final tie against Southampton at St Mary's.

"I don't know what happened in yesterday's training," he said at a pre-match press conference as quoted by The Mirror. "It could be that Adam [Bogdan] plays. I'm absolutely satisfied with our goalkeeper situation. I'm sorry to kill your stories... German goalkeepers, one from Stoke. We have quality goalkeepers. Simon Mignolet is one of the smartest I've ever had. He's open, completely open. He's young enough to improve and since I'm here there's nothing to criticise."

The choice not to acquire a new goalkeeper is the second transfer decision revealed by Klopp in recent weeks. In November, he confirmed iconic former captain Steven Gerrard would not play for the club this winter despite the door remaining open for a possible return to the training ground.

Speaking after Gerrard was pictured back in training at Melwood, as he aims to maintain his fitness following the end of the Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign, Klopp reiterated: "Steven Gerrard won't play. He's in good shape. I said to team this is normal - doors always have to be open for Stevie. It's a good situation, everybody had a smile when they saw Stevie, it's good to have him here and we hope we can help him. He can help us by being in the dressing room."