Simon Mignolet waiting on Napoli move, says agent

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is close to joining last season’s Serie A runners-up, Napoli, according to his agent.

The Belgium international looks set to end his five-year-stay on Merseyside after Liverpool brought in new first-choice ‘keeper Alisson Becker during the summer for around £65 million.

The Reds have been holding out for a £12m fee for Mignolet, 30, but they might have to consider lowering the asking price as no club has yet met their valuation.

Time is of the essence for Napoli, with the Italian transfer window closing next Saturday and there could be some movement soon with the Neapolitan outfit known to be long-time suitors of the former Sunderland shot-stopper.

Mignolet’s agent, Nico Vaesen, has admitted that the player would welcome a move to the San Paolo but stressed a deal would need to be completed quickly with the transfer deadline looming.

“Mignolet likes Napoli and the interest is not new,” said Vaesen, speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

“Napoli have enquired about the player on several occasions now in previous transfer windows.

“There’s no confirmation of a move to Napoli, though, and we’ll have to wait to see if in the next few days they make an offer.

“Considering the market will close in a few days, I imagine they’ll have to make a move soon if we want to continue the talks so that everyone can reach an agreement.”

Mignolet has had his critics since joining Liverpool, but he has vast experience to call upon having made over 150 Premier League appearances for Sunderland and the Reds.

The Belgium ‘keeper came to the Black Cats’ attention in 2010 when he impressed playing for his native Sint-Truiden and a £2m move to the Premier League was subsequently completed.

After 90 top-flight appearances with the club, Liverpool brought the ‘keeper to Anfield in a deal worth £9 million. Mignolet managed to save a penalty on his league debut against Stoke City, but it has not been a successful transfer on the whole.

Alisson had the best save success rate (80.1%) of any goalkeeper to play 20+ Serie A games last season.

For comparison, David de Gea (80.28%) was the only Premier League goalkeeper with a higher percentage. pic.twitter.com/vumW551xRx

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 18, 2018

Liverpool’s investment in new Brazilian international goalkeeper Alisson, who got off to a winning start against West Ham, looks set to confirm Mignolet’s time at the club is over, with Loris Karius another option as back-up.

The Reds face Crystal Palace next Monday as they look to start the new season with back-to-back wins.

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