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Talks over a new deal are at an advanced stage with Klopp having been quick to boot out speculation he is hell-bent on replacing him as the Kop's No.1.

Both Stoke goalkeeper Jack ­Butland and Belgium ­Under-21s star Guillaume ­Hubert were linked with the Anfield outfit before Klopp put an end to the uncertainty by saying Mignolet was one of the smartest keepers he had ever had.

Now the Belgian, 27, who joined from Sunderland in a £9m deal in the summer of 2013, is happy to put pen to paper and ­work hard to justify Klopp's faith.

He said: "Obviously it was nice to hear the manager say in ­public that he's behind you.

"I knew it already as he had spoken with me. You know what he's about and what he likes. But there's a ­difference between him ­saying it just to you and saying it to the outside world.

"It gives you a lot of ­confidence and it's nice to hear. But, by the same token, it doesn't mean anything because you have to keep showing on the pitch what you can do.

"I'll keep working hard to improve and I'm not really concerning myself about the new contract.

"The games are coming thick and fast and that's the only thing that matters at the ­moment.

"But I'm happy at Liverpool and I want to stay here for a long time. I am enjoying working with the boss and with the other lads."

Mignolet had a trouble-free night as Liverpool fought out a goalless draw with FC Sion in the Europa League on Thursday and the keeper ­anticipates ­another tough battle against West Brom at Anfield tomorrow.

He said: "West Brom will look to be dangerous on the counter and maybe with a set-piece.

"You have to make a plan for it and try to ensure you do the things you need to ."