Alisson, then, has found himself brought into the equation.  Liverpool, Goal understands, are long-time admirers and earlier this season made enquiries as to the possibility of bringing him to Merseyside. 

Discussions were initially promising, with the player and his representatives keen on the idea of joining the Jurgen Klopp revolution.  The Premier League appeals, as does the idea of joining up with Roberto Firmino, his international colleague, and Mo Salah, his former club-mate.  Players, it is increasingly clear, find Liverpool and Klopp a very attractive proposition at the moment. 

Roma, though, have other ideas.  The Italians are acutely aware of what happened last summer, when they sold a star player to Liverpool and were made to look foolish.  The £36.9 million (€42.1m/$49.3m) received for Salah last June already looks paltry.  Monchi, Roma’s sporting director, is keen to avoid a repeat – and unlike last year his club are under no pressure to sell this time. 

Kiev, though, has certainly re-opened the debate.  Karius’s two high-profile errors, on the biggest stage of all, raise fresh questions as to his long-term suitability.  The 24-year-old will be supported by the club, but his credentials and his confidence have suffered a huge hit.  It would be a huge gamble on Klopp’s part to place all his trust in the former Mainz man next season. 

With Simon Mignolet reluctant to continue in his role as deputy, and interest from several clubs across the continent, Liverpool are likely to need at least one goalkeeper this summer anyway.  They have high hopes for Kamil Grabara, the Polish youth international who has impressed at Under-23 level, but Danny Ward, the third choice, played just one game last season and turns 25 later this month; the Welshman would be wise to seek regular football himself. 

The question, then, is whether Liverpool commit big money and go after a top-class No.1, effectively ending Karius’s Reds career, or whether they back their man and sign someone to deputise and compete instead. 

If it is the former, then Alisson will very much be in their thoughts – more so than, say, Jack Butland, who is rated nowhere near as highly among the recruitment and coaching staff.  Others, such as Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid or the highly-rated Gigi Donnarumma of Milan, have been tentatively linked but nothing more. 

Liverpool had spotters watching Alisson at Anfield on Sunday, though his performance in the friendly against Croatia was a mixed one in truth, which told us little about his suitability. 

There were two smart saves down to his left - one from Andrej Kramaric in the first half, one from Ivan Perisic in the second - but also a few moments of hesitation with the ball at his feet; his first two contributions to the game saw him slam clearances straight out of play under pressure. 

Even expensive goalkeepers can make errors or misjudgments, though it was notable how willing Alisson was to receive and to play the ball short to his defenders.  Karius, of course, found out the hard way that such a policy comes with its own risks. 

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Whatever happens this summer, Liverpool will be taking a gamble with their goalkeepers.  Sticking with the status quo would be a huge show of faith at a time when many would cut their losses, while spending big on a new No.1 would be a significant statement.  Klopp has never done that before as a manager.