Liverpool See Former Manchester United Keeper as Possible Reina Replacement – Report

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is contemplating making an offer in January for Hannover goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler as he looks to find a long-term replacement for current number one Pepe Reina.

The Daily Mail has reported that the Northern Irishman has not been convinced by the performances of the Spanish goalkeeper and is now considering making an offer in the New Year for the former Manchester United goalkeeper.

Zieler began his career in England with Manchester United when he signed as a 16-year-old back in 2005. However, despite playing regularly for Germany at youth level he was unable to play a single first team match under Sir Alex Ferguson.

After a loan at Northampton he was eventually sold to Hannover in April 2010 and he has since established himself as the first choice keeper at the Bundesliga side, whilst also forcing his way into the plans of Germany manager Joachim Loew.

Zieler was handed his international debut in November 2011and he was once again called into action earlier this year when he played in a friendly against Argentina.

The report in the Mail suggests that Rodgers wants to find a long-term replacement for Reina and that Liverpool would consider meeting the £12.2million release clause in his contract.

Ziele has now played more than 70 times for Hannover and has received a ringing endorsement from Ferguson, who revealed that it was injuries that stopped him progressing at Manchester United.

"He got an injury here in the Reserves and was out for about eight months," Ferguson told the Manchester United official website. "Unfortunately, when he came back, Ben Amos had jumped ahead of him in the pecking order. I'm really pleased to hear this news, though. I'm glad he's doing well.

"We helped Ron-Robert orchestrate his move to Hannover. We had a scout over there at the time and I gave him a call. He then came across, spoke to Ron and got the Hannover coach across to Manchester to watch him train.

"They were happy to take him and we were delighted to organise that move for him. He's since come on leaps and bounds and is obviously doing fantastically. He always worked hard and he's a very nice lad."

Current Liverpool number one Reina has made a number of high profile errors this season and his early season performances did come under some scrutiny. He has since returned from injury to shown some improved form but it seems Rodgers wants more options.