Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has told new signing Jerzy Dudek that he will be the club's number one goalkeeper. Houllier signed Polish international Dudek for around £4.5m from Feyenoord on Friday. He also signed England under-21 goalie Chris Kirkland from Coventry City on the same day. With Sander Westerveld and Pegguy Arphexad already in the Liverpool squad, the surprise double signing means that Liverpool have four keepers.
"Jerzy Dudek is a proven international. I can confirm he will be the number one goalkeeper," said Houllier. Dudek is expected to make his debut against Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday. Dudek's arrival has signalled the end of Westerveld's days at Anfield, and reports have suggested that the Dutchman will be sold as soon as possible.
20-year-old Kirkland cost a British record fee for a goalkeeper, with Liverpool set to pay Coventry up to £8m depending on appearances. "Chris is a huge prospect for Liverpool and for English football," said Houllier.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have extended their French connection after securing a deal to bring promising Le Havre 17-year-olds Antony Le Tallec and Florent Simana-Pongelet to Anfield. Manager Gerard Houllier was in his homeland over the weekend to finalise the package which will see both players come to England for the start of the 2003/2004 season.
Le Tallec is rated as one of his country's brightest young midfield talents while Simana-Pongelet has developed a reputation as a pacy striker. Both players netted twice in France's 4-0 win over England in the semi-finals of the European Under-16 Championship at St James' Park in May.
While no fee has been disclosed, the duo are likely to set Liverpool back somewhere in the region of £4m. The two clubs have also been in discussion over a possible alliance which could see an exchange of young players.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
