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Liverpool transfer news: Jurgen Klopp has shelved Alisson deal to focus on Paulo Dybala
LIVERPOOL have abandoned their pursuit of Alisson because Jurgen Klopp is focusing on Paulo Dybala, reports say.
Paulo Dybala scores sensational goal in training
Liverpool boss Klopp has been tipped to sign Dybala amid uncertainty over the player’s Juventus future.
The Serie A giants are currently pressing ahead with their plans to sign Cristiano Ronaldo who, after nine years at Real Madrid, is ready to quit for a new challenge in Italy.
Liverpool have consequently been linked with Dybala, who is understood to have a turbulent relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri.
And Football Whispers suggest that, with Klopp cooling on Alisson, Dybala may be the reason why.
The Reds earmarked a new No 1 as a priority signing after May’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
Loris Karius endured a torrid evening, making two mistakes as Ronaldo and his team-mates took the prize.
Alisson has emerged as Klopp’s ideal choice, with the German no longer interested in Stoke’s Jack Butland.
Yet Football Whispers say Liverpool would now prefer to sign Dybala instead.
The Reds want a player to operate behind their formidable front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
Dybala has played there for Juventus and is also capable of playing elsewhere in attack.
Stevie Nicol: No chance Dybala will leave Juventus
And Liverpool may need to break the bank to sign the Argentinean - particularly given Juventus’ need to raise funds for Ronaldo’s arrival.
Last season, amid rows with Allegri, Dybala was coy on his Juventus future.
“I won’t make any promises, especially since it’s not just down to me,” he told France Football.
“At this moment though I’m not saying: ‘this is my last year, I’m going’. I think about the present and all there is to win.
“The club suggested I play in the number 10, it’s an honour. In modern football we don’t know what the future will be, we had striking examples of that this summer.”