Mexico number one Guillermo Ochoa open to Premier League switch

Ajaccio and Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has refused to rule out a move to the Premier League this summer, when he becomes a free agent.

The 28-year-old is a rumoured target of odds-on 1/2 title favourites Liverpool, according to tabloid reports. Italian giants AC Milan are also interested in securing Ochoa’s services.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will be looking to bring in experienced competition for current first-choice stopper Simon Mignolet, who signed from Sunderland last summer.

Pepe Reina, who has spent the season on loan at Napoli under former Anfield coach Rafa Benitez, is set for a permanent exit from Merseyside, with Barcelona among clubs across the continent linked with him.

Milan manager Clarence Seedorf, meanwhile, wants Ochoa as a long-term replacement for Rossoneri stalwart Christian Abbiati. There is a rebuilding to do for the red half of the San Siro following a below-par campaign this term.

Liverpool also have Australian keeper Brad Jones on their books, and he is under contract until 2016, but Rodgers has rarely used him since becoming boss in 2012.

Ochoa is set to star between the posts for Mexico at the World Cup. Despite the Latin American nation having four different coaches throughout qualifying, he is expected to be first-choice at the finals in Brazil.

When asked about his future, Ochoa said: “My agent is dealing with everything and I do no exclude a future in Italy and England.”

Corsican club Ajaccio are on the verge of relegation from the French top-flight. Failure to beat mid-table Bastia would confirm an end to their time in Ligue 1, but they will be losing Ochoa come what may.

Ajaccio are 15 points from safety with five matches left and prop up the table. Ochoa has certainly been busy in goal, keeping just two clean sheets and conceding 62 goals.

He has 56 caps for Mexico, and went to the last two World Cups, three CONCACAF Gold Cups, the 2007 Copa America and Confederations Cup last summer with his country.

Miguel Herrera’s El Tri face Cameroon in their opener in Brazil, and are 6/5 for victory. They are the same price to qualify for the knockout phase from Group A, which also contains Croatia and the hosts.