Liverpool keen on double January swoop for Casillas and Sinkgraven

Liverpool (outsiders at 33/1 to win the Premier League) are involved in yet more goalkeeper transfer tittle-tattle, with reports circulating that the Reds could pounce for Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas.

The Spain stopper has been battling for his first-team spot since suffering a dip in form and confidence. His troubles began when current Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho took over at the Bernabeu and challenged his status as undisputed number one, and his problems were compounded by a series of embarrassing World Cup blunders.

Castilla academy product Casillas has been playing regularly for his boyhood team this season, but Los Blancos are believed to be phasing their skipper out slowly, with Costa Rica World Cup hero Keylor Navas waiting in the wings.

Casillas himself, recently spoke of spending time away from the Spanish giants, after spending his entire career thus far with the capital club. The 31-year-old stated: “I’d love to have an experience abroad to bring more value to Real Madrid.

“Madrid is my home. I’ll always feel this way. I was educated here and got my start here. I can’t understand my life without Real Madrid.

“I’d love to have an experience abroad to bring more value to Real Madrid, which already has incalculable value to me.”

If Casillas is granted his adventure abroad, one mooted destination is Anfield. Brendan Rodgers’ Reds have long been linked with bringing in competition for Simon Mignolet’s spot between the sticks, after a poor start to the season.

Former Barcelona keeper and free agent Victor Valdes is believed to be set to join the Merseysiders on a trial, to prove his fitness ahead of a potential move. However, if that fails, it is reported that Rodgers views Casillas as back-up candidate, with a January loan possible.

World Cup and Champions League winner Casillas would certainly provide experience and gravitas if tasked with protecting the posts for Liverpool, but rivals Arsenal are also believed to be in the frame for his services.

Placing his defensive worries to one side, Rodgers is also rumoured to be monitoring 19-year-old Dutch talent Daley Sinkgraven. The highly-rated Heerenveen youngster has impressed in his 23 Eredivise appearances so far, and is also apparently attracting interest from Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United.