Liverpool ‘are interested in signing former Man United goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler’

Liverpool are looking to bolster their goalkeeping squad with a move for former World Cup winner Ron-Robert Zieler in what could be the transfer overseen by the Reds’ likely new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, according to reports. 

The 34-year-old captain of 2. Bundesliga outfit Hannover 96 was one of the statement signings made by Schmadtke after his appointment as sporting director at the German club in 2009. 

Zieler made the move back to his home country after a stint in Manchester, having been signed by Sir Alex Ferguson to the youth side in 2005, before promotion to the senior side in 2008.  

The goalkeeper was sent on loan to Northampton Town during his time at Old Trafford, which passed with the player failing to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils. 

But success in Lower Saxony saw the player run out over 180 times for Hannover during his first spell at the club. 

As per Bild, should Schmadtke make the move to Anfield, Liverpool could be interested in securing the services of the experienced shot-stopper to deputise for the Brazilian No 1, Alissson. 

The signing could be the first of Jorg Schmadtke’s (left) at Anfield should he join Jurgen Klopp (right) as sporting director

Liverpool’s current No 2, Caoimhín Kelleher, is said to be heading for the exit amidst interest from Tottenham, Brentford and Brighton after making just 20 appearances during his last five years in red. 

Zieler – who won the World Cup for Germany in 2014 as Joachim Low’s third-choice keeper – does have experience playing for a Premier League side, having secured a move to Leicester after the Foxes won the title in 2016. 

But his time abroad was patchy and saw him promptly offloaded to VfB Stuttgart after his first season at the King Power. 

Now back at the club where he made his name, Zieler has just one year left on his contract, after Hannover triggered a year-long extension in March of this year. 

Zieler was said to have been disappointed by the short-term nature of the amendment made to his existing deal, which could make it easier for Liverpool to prise the keeper away from Stefan Leitl’s side. 

Hannover’s sporting directo Marcus Mann was however quick to tamp down speculation about the player’s future, saying: ‘Ron has a contract with us, we’re making plans with him.’ 

Zieler joined United’s academy from FC Koln in 2005 (pictured) at the age of 16

The keeper (right) had an imperfect first spell in the Premier League at Leicester in 2016/17

But the lure of European competition and the opportunity to break into one of the most competitive league’s in the world could prove too strong for Zieler. 

Sharpening up Liverpool’s last line of defence is just one aspect in which Liverpool are looking to rebuild this summer. 

Should Schmadtke take up the director’s position at the Merseyside club, top of his transfer targets will be midfielders as his compatriot Jurgen Klopp looks to reshape his squad after an inconsistent season. 

Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister is one of a number of players said to be being watched closely by the Reds as the season draws to a closer.