Liverpool's goalkeeper search boost as Neto to leave Fiorentina

Liverpool have received a massive boost in their pursuit of a replacement for Simon Mignolet after Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto has refused to extend his contract with the Italian club, according to the Daily Mirror.

Brendan Rodgers is in the lookout for a stopper to provide competition to Mignolet, who has had a torrid season thus far. Neto, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been deemed an ideal candidate, with Fiorentina willing to offload him on the cheap to save on their losses.

Mignolet was dropped from the starting line-up last month but found his way back into the side after Brad Jones suffered a knee injury during the Liverpool's Boxing Day clash with Burnley.

Rodgers is looking to strengthen Liverpool's squad in January as the former Swansea man looks to push for a top four spot, after missing out on winning the Premier League title last season. Meanwhile, Fiorentina confirmed their goalkeeper's wish to not extend beyond the summer, and are likely to be open to letting the player leave in January should an attractive offer come their way.

"ACF Fiorentina must announce that goalkeeper Norberto Murara Neto today officially informed the club of his intention not to prolong his contract with the Viola. The decision is definitive. Neto was keen to make it known that his decision is entirely unrelated to financial motivations, with his desire to be free to decide his own future the sole reason behind his move," the statement said.

The Reds are currently seven points adrift of a top four spot and need to put in a series of commendable performances in January to close the gap. Liverpool also have Europa League action to look forward to in February, and they need to build a stable squad during the transfer window if they are to keep their hopes of winning a trophy.