Liverpool step up interest in Fiorentina stopper Neto amid Mignolet's goof-ups

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Fiorentina goalkeeper Norberto Mourara Neto, according to Tutto Mercato Web.

The Merseyside club are willing to more than double Neto's wages to €1.9m should he make the move to Anfield. That is more than what Serie A club Roma are ready to offer in order to keep him in the Serie A.

The stopper's contract expires after the end of the season and unless Fiorentina are willing to match the wages being thrown around by other clubs, it is unlikely that they will be able to persuade the player to keep his allegiance with the Italian outfit.

Liverpool are in need of a backup goalkeeper for Simon Mignolet, who has been in woeful form this season and has come under scrutiny from his manager and pundits alike.

His next in command, Brad Jones, is yet to convince the manager to offer him a first team spot, thereby forcing Brendan Rodgers to move into the market and save Liverpool's season which is on the verge of faltering.

However, they will have to fend off interest from Roma, who will offer the goalkeeper a chance to extend his stay in Italy, albeit at lower wages. The Reds are currently in 11th spot, five points behind Manchester United, who are holding the much coveted fourth position at the moment.

Meanwhile, Rodgers has urged Mignolet to buckle up and put in a few solid performances to win back the confidence of the supporters and the back four. The Belgian made an astounding save in the final minutes of the game against Stoke City, when he tipped over a curling volley from Bojan Krkic to secure three crucial points.

On the goal conceded against Ludogorets, Rodgers said, "As a goalkeeper you have to be able to let these things go.

"The goal was a massive setback for the team but we need to keep his confidence as high as we can. We have to look to the weekend and keep a clean sheet," he added.