Reds in Itandje talks

Carson could join Villa on loan

By Andrew Scurr   Last updated: 9th August 2007

Charles Itandje Lens

Itandje: Reds talks

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Liverpool are in talks to sign Lens goalkeeper Charles Itandje, which will allow Scott Carson to join Aston Villa on loan.

Itandje's future appears to be away from Lens after the French club brought in two new goalkeepers and Villa themselves have been previously linked with the 24-year-old earlier in the summer.

Rafa Benitez has confirmed Liverpool are negotiating with a goalkeeper with a view to bringing him in as Jose Reina's back-up.

"We are close and maybe we can do something (today)," Benitez told Sky Sports News.

Carson to Villa

Itandje's arrival would allow Carson to spend another season out on loan after a successful year at Charlton last term.

The England Under 21 keeper is keen to be playing regularly and Benitez will allow him to leave if he brings in a suitable replacement.

"We were talking before about this, Scott and me, he wants to play every game, every week," Benitez said.

"We are analysing the situation and if we can do something, Aston Villa is very interested, then maybe it will be an option.

"I explained to him we need another goalkeeper because we cannot say he can leave if we don't have a very good goalkeeper.

"We are working on this and if everything can be done we will try to help him.

"We want to send Scott on loan, we don't want to sell him, and if we can do this then I think it can be positive for everyone."

Deadline

Benitez confirmed a deal for Itandje will have to be struck before 11pm on Thursday, when Liverpool must register their players for the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.

He added: "If we can register a new goalkeeper then Scott can go, if we cannot he must stay with us at least two more weeks."