Liverpool and Arsenal have been put on red alert after Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas talked up the possibility of moving abroad, reports the Daily Star.
The Reds and Arsenal have both been linked with a move for the Spanish goalkeeper at various points over the past 12 months, and the January transfer window could represent the best possible chance to grab his signature.
The 33-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Bernabeu in recent times, whilst Carlo Ancelotti spent money on World Cup star Keylor Navas to compete for the number one spot in the summer.
Brendan Rodgers has been linked with a move for a new goalkeeper with reports suggesting he is not convinced by Simon Mignolet as the Reds number one.
Former Barcelona goalkeeper and free agent Victor Valdes has been the name most heavily linked, but the words from Casillas in a recent interview may persuade the Reds boss to move for a different Spanish goalkeeper.
He said: “I’ve thought about leaving Spain. I don’t want to rub anyone the wrong way or create a bad air, because you always want Madrid to win.
“But then you think: “I have to compete and fight.” These past two years have made me fight and become stronger. I haven’t made any indication I want to leave.
“I never had a concrete offer. My idea was, and still is, to finish my career here.”
Now Liverpool fans can get a little taste of what Arsenal supporters have felt in the years before Ozil arrived. Year after year of developing top talent only to see the players bail for quick money offers from better financed sides.
Arsenal lost Fabregas, Clichy, Nasri, van Persie, and a host of other burgeoning talent to Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man City, and Man U.
Now L:iverpool have lost Luis Suarez and teams are eyeing Sterling and soon if not already, Sturridge. Manquillo will return home after his loan and Lovren will be a target, if he proves out. So too Lallana and Henderson if they make their names at Liverpool.
Maybe Liverpool will do better holding on to their players; they kept Gerrard after all, but it’s not easy when the top clubs sing their siren song of fame and cash.
Ask anyone who bleeds for the Gunners.