MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Wednesday, June 27, 2018: Brazil's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Group E match between Serbia and Brazil at the Spartak Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Chelsea linked with concrete interest in Alisson – could Liverpool still make a move?

Chelsea have been touted with a £62 million move for Roma ‘keeper Alisson, who is also on Liverpool’s radar as Jurgen Klopp searches for a new No. 1.

The 25-year-old emerged as one of the hottest properties in Europe after a stunning season in Serie A, and has been a regular for Brazil at the World Cup.

Along with Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, Alisson has been linked with a switch to Merseyside, with question marks over the future of Loris Karius.

Speculation over the pair has dampened in recent weeks as both Atleti and Roma have named lofty price tags, with Barcelona’s Jasper Cillessen floated as a possible alternative for Klopp.

Alisson could still be on the move this summer, however, as Sky Italy have revealed concrete interest from Chelsea in the former Internacional youth.

Despite uncertainty over the managerial role at Stamford Bridge, with Maurizio Sarri expected to take over from Antonio Conte, the Blues are said to be lining up a £62 million bid.

This would see Alisson replace Thibaut Courtois, who has hinted at a high-profile switch to Real Madrid, as he looks to relocate in order to be closer to his children.

If Courtois does depart, Alisson would be an excellent replacement, but while Roma’s asking price is comfortably above the world-record fee for a goalkeeper, it can be argued that Liverpool should still be interested.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, June 3, 2018: Brazil's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during an international friendly between Brazil and Croatia at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Though Alisson has been far from outstanding in Russia, he is a front-footed sweeper-keeper with killer distribution and a growing command of the penalty area.

He would certainly slot in comfortably behind Klopp’s high defensive line, and could have a similar impact to his compatriot, Ederson, at Man City.

The Reds already broke a world record to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for £75 million in January, with CEO Peter Moore insisting he was worth the outlay when speaking at the International Business Festival earlier this week.

“We are the proud owners of the world’s most expensive defender in Virgil van Dijk at £75 million.

“But that money has got to come from somewhere, and being able to drive that growth becomes critical. Why? Because you invest in the team.

“Our primary focus for every pound, Euro, dollar we make is to give it to Jurgen Klopp and our scouting staff and our sporting director and say go buy the best players.”

This assertion that Liverpool will spend whatever it takes to ensure Klopp has the best squad possible would suggest they should not baulk at a £62 million deal for Alisson.

If Chelsea do make a move, it will be interesting to see whether the Reds follow suit.

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