Game On: Boss confirms Liverpool can sign 'world-class' superstar for 'huge money'

Liverpool continue to be linked with a move for 'world-class' Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, and after heavy speculation over the last few months, Jose Mourinho has finally admitted that the giant 'keeper is for sale.

When asked Tuesday about the possibility of Cech leaving this summer, Mourinho told reporters:

"I don’t waste my time trying to persuade him [Cech].

"If he wants to leave I will tell him my opinion: that he is one of the three best goalkeepers in the world, so [he will cost] huge money.”

In January, Cech enjoyed a brief run of starts for Chelsea, but despite three clean sheets in a row, Mourinho dumped him back on the bench after Chelsea's 4-2 FA Cup defeat Bradford, and since that time, he's been an unused substitute in six out of eight games.

Cech is unlikely to be satisfied with the way things are right now. Indeed, he's already expressed his dissatisfaction with his ongoing marginalisation at Chelsea. In October, he told reporters:

"The situation is not the way I would imagine. With the 2016 European Championships in mind, there is no time for me to sit on the bench and not to play. If the situation will not start to improve for me then I will want to solve it."

Last week, Chelsea's goalkeeping coach, Christophe Lollichon, also shed some light on Cech's ongoing frustration. He told ESPN:

"It's difficult for Cech, who has been first-choice for 14 years in the clubs he's been at and who has been voted the Premier League's best goalkeeper several times, to be passed by a 22-year-old kid".

€14m-rated Cech is a popular choice amongst Liverpool fans. I recently conducted a poll on the site asking fans to select one goalkeeper out of the seven currently linked with Anfield:

* 10450 (approx) visitors participated in the poll (which is still ongoing)
* 55% of participants chose Cech as Liverpool's next goalkeeper.
* Sergio Romero was 2nd-favourites with 11% of the vote.
* Only 3% voted to keep Mignolet as LFC's number 1.

Since the turn of the year, Simon Mignolet has resurrected his flagging Liverpool career with a series of excellent performances, but despite the upturn in form, he still (IMO) needs to be replaced.

The Belgian's current form is arguably the exception (for his career to date), not the rule, and if Liverpool are to consistently challenge for the biggest trophies, a more commanding, reliable goalkeeper is needed.

Can Liverpool get Cech, though? As always, money talks, but after playing second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois, there's almost certainly no chance of sealing the deal unless Rodgers guarantees to make him the club's number-one goalkeeper.

That will inevitably mean relegating Mignolet to squad player status, but as harsh as it may appear, that's what needs to happen. After last year's mixed performances, the Belgian blew it in the first-half of the season, and the club can't risk that happening again next season.

Judging by Mourinho's comments, the transfer fee may be an issue, but given Cech's age, it's doubtful that Chelsea will be able to command an extortionate price. As such, if Liverpool end up pursuing Cech, what is the absolute maximum the club should pay?

For me, around £10m-£12m is a fair price for a goalkeeper of Cech's talent, experience, and consistency.

online survey

Author: Jaimie K