Hannover coach Stefan Leitl has welcomed reports linking goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler with Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp is said to be exploring the possibility of signing an experienced goalkeeper on a free transfer in the summer, with former Manchester United and Leicester City stopper Zieler's contract ending in June 2023.

With Hannover attempting to keep pace alongside fellow 2.Bundesliga promotion hopefuls, reports linking the club's captain to a move away would normally become a distraction, but head coach Leitl believes the speculation is a reflection of the 33-year-old's current form.

“He has played [himself] into focus," Leitl told BILD on Monday. “It's a nice rumour to associate Hannover 96 with Liverpool. Ron is my captain. The focus is on the game [against Fortuna Dusseldorf on Tuesday]."