If Liverpool complete a world record deal for Roma goalkeeper Alisson, there should be a smidgen of sympathy for the club’s current number one.

Danny Ward’s promotion will have lasted little more than a week.

Until such time the formalities are complete, Ward is Anfield's first choice. He is pencilled in to start against West Ham on the opening Premier League weekend, but given the events of the last 24 hours it is highly unlikely he will start the season.

If Loris Karius was already aware of the precariousness of his situation, the £67 million deal for the Brazil international leaves no doubt about his current standing.

Jurgen Klopp has been supportive of his German keeper, not only in the immediate aftermath of his terrible Champions League final performance, but upon his return to pre-season training.

He was hardly going to endorse a public hanging of his goalkeeper post-Kiev.

But such backing is never unconditional.