Liverpool close in on agreement for transfer of rising star after Klopp decision - sources

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Published on:

25 May 2016, 5:35 am

By North-west correspondent Alex Stevens

Danny Ward is close to agreeing a summer loan move to Huddersfield following the signing of Loris Karius, Football Insider sources understand.

The Liverpool reserve goalkeeper has been targeted by the Championship club, who are managed by Jurgen Klopp's close friend and fellow German David Wagner.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Huddersfield and Liverpool and opened talks about a season-long loan.

Klopp regards Ward as a rising star but is keen for him to gain regular first-team experience rather than play for the Merseysiders' development side.

This comes after Karius completed a £4.7million transfer from Bundesliga side Mainz on Tuesday to provide competition to established No1 Simon Mignolet.

Ward, who joined Liverpool from Wrexham in 2012, has deputised for Mignolet since being recalled from a successful loan spell at Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen in the January transfer window.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper rose above Adam Bogdan in the pecking order to make two first-team appearances, both Premier League matches.

Ward, who was on the substitute's bench for the Europa League final defeat to Sevilla, was also handed his first international cap for Wales in March's draw against Northern Ireland.

Sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool will listen to offers for Bogdan in the summer after Klopp decided he is not up to the standard required.

Huddersfield are in the market for two new keepers ahead of next term, with Jed Steer back at Aston Villa at the conclusion of his own loan spell and Joe Murphy potentially unavailable until October after surgery.

Given the close relationship that exists between Wagner and Klopp well-known, it would make sense for the Liverpool manager to want Ward to be playing under a coach that he trusts.

Speaking after his Premier League bow against Bournemouth, Klopp said: "Danny Ward was brilliant."

In other Liverpool transfer news, Steve Nicol has named the striker who will replace Christian Benteke at Anfield next season.

Liverpool FC

Danny Ward