Report: Liverpool to drop Loris Karius for Blackburn Rovers friendly

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly decided to name Danny Ward in his starting XI for Thursday's pre-season friendly with Blackburn Rovers.

The goalkeeping position has been a contentious issue for the Reds this summer, with Loris Karius replacing Simon Mignolet as number one last term before making two high-profile errors in the Champions League final.

Karius was once again at fault for a goal as Liverpool ran out 3-2 winners over Merseyside rivals Tranmere Rovers earlier this month, although the German kept a clean sheet in his 62-minute appearance against Bury last Saturday.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Klopp will utilise Ward - who made just one senior appearance last season - in the game against the Championship side at Ewood Park, having deemed the encounter more testing than the meeting with the Shakers.

Liverpool are also reported to have completed a £67m move for Roma and Brazil custodian Alisson Becker.