Carson’s future at Reds in doubt

ON-LOAN Italian goalkeeper Daniele Padelli wants to make his move to Liverpool permanent, which could cast further doubt over the future of Scott Carson at the club.

Carson, who is on loan at Charlton and has been in both England’s full squad and the U-21s this season, has been linked with a possible move to Arsenal in the summer, as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger considers his options with Jens Lehmann’s future unclear.

Liverpool chief Rafael Benitez is unwilling to sell players to potential Premier League title rivals, but he will consider Jose Reina as his number one — even if Carson returns to the club in the summer when his loan to the Valley ends.

Polish goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek is expected to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract this summer, but it seems now that Benitez is lining up 21-year-old Padelli as his second choice keeper.

Carson would not want to be third in line and that could hasten his exit from Merseyside, where another England squad colleague — Chris Kirkland — was unable to break into Benitez’s side and has now joined Wigan.

Benitez, though, may prefer to send out Carson on loan again next season,mindful that the player could develop into England’s number one goalkeeper.

Padelli joined Liverpool in the transfer window from Sampdoria, and is clearly intent on winning a longer term deal. “I really hope I will be staying at Liverpool beyond this season,” he said.

If that happens it would put Carson’s position into perspective and leave him wondering where he fits in at Anfield.

Padelli admits he was overjoyed when he learned of Liverpool’s interest, continuing: “Coming to Liverpool was a dream, and on the day I signed the dream came true. To tell you the truth, I nearly fainted when I heard Liverpool were interested in me. It was a surprise.

“I am honoured to be the first Italian here and I hope to do well. My aim is to hold the Italian flag very high. I’m not saying I am as good as any of the champions here, but my aim is to work very hard and try to achieve this.”