So we have Klopp's first signing. Excited to see how it works out.

Schalke fans describe him as very good in the air, great at making interceptions and quick for his height (6'4) but not the strongest of defenders physically. I wonder if Klopp's planning to pair him with Skrtel, Lovren or Sakho long-term.

Marko Grujic was first, I expect big things from both

Well it certainly won't be Skrtel, the man's 31 now

It would be good to see how Origi and Ings progress under Klopp but if we are to replace Benteke, I still think we need to ensure pace and goals are better than average to ensure we are consistent in style when Sturridge is out (and to ultimately replace him). Maybe Origi is earmarked for that but I don't thinking he'll be quite up to scratch goals-wise next season and that's my worry - don't want a third season in a row where we are relying on a fit Sturridge for a a cutting edge.

Matip is a RCB as is Skrtel so I think there's your answer.

I think we may end up seeing Matip move into the "Skrtel" role, and Skrtel move into the "Toure" role. Basically, I wouldn't be surprised to see this:

1st choice - Matip
2nd choice - Sakho
3rd choice - Lovren (if he continues his previous form upon returning)
4th choice - Skrtel

Matip can also play in all defensive positions and even midfield - with his height, though, there's only one place I want to see him. Maybe when Gomes regains fitness (so easy to forget we've got him!) he'll eventually end up along Matip - what a combo if it works, as both are superb on the ball and decent in the air. With Flanagan and Smith looking good too, the future is actually brighter than some paint it. Just a beast of a keeper...

I'm eager to see if Danny Ward will get a chance at any point this season. I was hoping to have seen him play already by this point since his loan recall...

Agreed - haven't seen much of him as I can't bear watching Scottish football and can no longer watch the U21s etc. Be interested in the views of any Aberdeen and Morecambe fans regarding his ability with crosses and corners.

The fact Matip is on a free is good but seems he's getting a nice signing on fee and wage though so clearly Klopp must think something of him. I'd say he has to be played right CB, hopefully after a full pre-season he'll be able to make it his position before the start of next season and then hopefully have a more settled defence injury wise.

As above I was disappointed not to see Ward givin a chance v either West Ham in the cup or AV in the league. Seems he has been brought back as a "in emergency only" situation. Shame for him as he had very good reviews by all concerned at Aberdeen.

Rumour going around that Granit Xhaka has made a pre contract agreement with us & the announcement will be made before the match against Ausburg.

Any thoughts on this ?

A bit of physical presence is what we meed and he is an upgrade on Lucas in the playmaking and goal scoring front.

You make a great point there, just hope that he does comes to us and not Citeh.

If we get him given the other clubs who've allegedly shown an interest then that's an upturn in our transfer business, as is the fact we're getting that business done.

Precontact? he has a contract until 2019, Or am I missing something?

Klopp likes mignolet and that new 5 year deal proves it. He will be number 1 next season

The contract proves absolutely nothing as has been illustrated over and over again. How many times have I read on here that we won't get Player X because he's just signed a contract or has a few years left to run only for him to sign for a club soon afterwards. I think the deal was to give Mignolet security and get the best out of him or/and to protect his value. Ward was recalled to send a different message and give him the competition Bogdan failed to give.

It would not surprise me in the slightest if he, at best, isn't number one next season - in fact I'll be more surprised if he is. His lack of authority in the air has an adverse effect on the defence. He's definitely improved but not enough. I'd have no issues with him staying as a backup keeper but if we are to progress defensively we need a dominant keeper.

Ohhh, I'd this one to be true, but at this stage any imminent announcement would seem unlikely. He's exactly the type of midfielder I've been hoping for: a mobile ball player with some physical presence about him. He also adds to that defensive midfield position, protecting the CB's, and would let the likes of Hendo, Milner or Can concentrate on being more creative.

Playing fantasy manager in my head, I'd always target Carvalho from Porto, but realistically I wouldn't expect us to cough up the £35m+ it would take to get him. Granit Xhaka would be a very good alternative. I really hope there's some truth behind this story.

Carvalho's not long signed a new contract. Could be a couple years before we'd be able to get him I think.

How would a keeper being on the bench protect his value? His value as it is wouldn't be that high let alone if he was a sub keeper playing a handful of games. That value would drop like a stone contract or not.

If the club has given a keeper a 5 year deal and I would assume a pay rise only to see him relegated to the bench I would say that would be another example of dumb recruitment moves by LFC.

One time alleged target Ezequiel Lavezzi gone to China for £400k a week. It's a mad old world.

That's the big danger to clubs now looking for new players, China + too much money + little sense. I can see some of those that shot off to the US (including our own SG), thinking that a year or so in China would set them up for life. £20m for a years work is not to be sneezed at, few players will get out of the game with a stream of medals, so, this looks to be a better option for most.

Like our once great Industrial Nation was gobbled up by China, could our football go the same route? It's actually a scary thought!

Its like when players went to that team in russia, it will soon fizzle out.

Lots of players are now returning from china after a couple of months and a cancelled contract.

Ironically one could argue the Premier League does exactly the same.

Touche!