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Simon Mignolet in talks over new Liverpool contract - sources

Liverpool have opened talks to extend goalkeeper Simon Mignolet's contract beyond 2018, sources have told ESPN FC.

Manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to reward the performances of the Belgium international with an improved deal.

Klopp told a news conference on Tuesday that he regarded Mignolet as one of the "smartest" keepers he has ever worked with.

The manager moved quickly to dismiss reports linking him with Stoke's England international Jack Butland, and Germany under-21 goalkeeper Timo Horn, who plays in the Bundesliga for Cologne.

Mignolet, who earns around £60,000 a week, signed a five-year deal when he joined Liverpool from Sunderland for £9 million in 2013.

His performances have come under intense scrutiny at times during his two-and-a-half seasons on Merseyside to date, and he was dropped briefly last December by Brendan Rodgers, Klopp's predecessor.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, who has been among Mignolet's fiercest critics, claimed just last week that Klopp was looking to sign a replacement.

Grobbelaar told talkSPORT at the time: "I think he is looking at it. There are a couple of goalkeepers in the German league that he is looking at, so I can see that might be one of his first signings."

Klopp, though, said on Tuesday that he had no such plans, as he was happy to stick with Mignolet and backup Adam Bogdan as his two senior keepers.

The Liverpool manager said: "We are not looking for another goalkeeper. We have enough high-quality goalkeepers.

"I've worked with a lot of goalkeepers in the last few years, and Simon Mignolet is one of the smartest I ever had.

"He's young enough to develop and improve. He didn't have the easiest situation before I came here. There's been nothing to criticise since I came here. Absolutely nothing."