Liverpool reportedly dealt huge blow in hopes of signing top target

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have seen their opening offer for Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker knocked back, as the Italians’ £44million valuation of the Brazil international wasn’t met.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp reckons the 25-year-old is the answer to his side’s goalkeeping shortcomings having watched both Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius put in unconvincing performances since the start of last season.

Alisson has been excellent in goal for Roma since becoming first choice this term, conceding just 17 goals in 22 Serie A games and establishing himself as his country’s undisputed first choice ahead of the World Cup.

Alisson is clearly an upgrade in the goalkeeping department for Liverpool, and Klopp is eyeing a late winter deal or one come summer.

Roma are hesitant to lose key players as they seek to finish within the Champions League places, but a £44million bid could be hard to turn down.

PSG and Barcelona have also been linked with Alisson, and his value is bound to skyrocket should he put in a stellar display at the World Cup.

Having signed the most expensive defender in history, Liverpool may also need to break the £34.7million transfer record for a goalkeeper in order to complete the proverbial missing piece of the puzzle as their long search for a first English Premier League title continues.