Reds hope to net keeper

Liverpool are in negotiations to sign Lens goalkeeper Charles Itandje, a move which would allow Scott Carson to join Aston Villa on a season-long loan.

Boss Rafael Benitez is happy for Carson to leave Anfield for the second successive season – last term he was at Charlton – to give the youngster regular matches.

Carson has told Benitez he needs to be playing consistently to maintain his place in the England squad, and the Anfield chief said: “We do not want to sell him, we are very happy with Scott. But he needs to play to keep up his England place.”

Carson would not be able to play for Villa against Liverpool on Saturday under Premier League regulations.

Liverpool are trying to complete the deal for 24-year-old Itandje to register him for next week’s Champions League qualifier in Toulouse.