LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 13, 2016: Liverpool's goalkeeper Daniel Ward warms-up before the Premier League match against Arsenal at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool reject Huddersfield approach for Danny Ward, goalkeeper ‘not for sale’

Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward is unlikely to leave the club this summer, with reports suggesting the club have rejected a permanent offer.

Ward spent a successful campaign on loan with Huddersfield Town in 2016/17, proving the playoff hero as the Terriers sealed promotion to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old is now set to return to Merseyside for pre-season next month, with Jurgen Klopp relying on Ward to compete with Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius.

There had been speculation over a possible exit for the Wales international due to his likely marginal role at Liverpool, but this is seemingly not the case.

According to ESPN FC, the Reds have rejected an enquiry from Huddersfield, who were keen to sign Ward on a permanent deal.

Liverpool are said to have told the Premier League newcomers that Ward is “not for sale,” despite the goalkeeper seeking a return to the John Smith’s Stadium.

Ward could have the chance to fight for his place during pre-season, with the Reds scheduling eight warmup clashes throughout the summer.

This will begin away to Tranmere Rovers on July 12, rounding off against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin on August 5, seven days before Liverpool’s season opener away to Watford on August 12.

Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner and goalkeeper Danny Ward after the game

For Ward, this could be a bitter development, with the young stopper clearly eager to remain under David Wagner at Huddersfield.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday night, Ward expressed his gratitude to his former loan club and their success last term.

“The last 11 months I’ve been with you Terriers may have been a rollercoaster, but it was also a heffing DREAM!” he wrote.

“What we have done together as a club is the unthinkable!

“Every single one of you players, staff and fans will hold a special place in my heart forever regardless of what the future holds.

“A truly special club and a town like no other! Thank you for what’s been an amazing season.”

For Liverpool supporters, Ward returning to contend with Mignolet and Karius should be seen as a positive, after his strong showings throughout 2016/17.

But it remains to be seen whether he will be given a genuine opportunity, or simply take up Alex Manninger‘s former role as third choice and turn out for the U23s.

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