Laatste nieuws: Dudek niet naar Liverpool

LONDON, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Liverpool signed Coventry City goalkeeper Chris Kirkland on Friday after their move for Polish international Jerzy Dudek fell through, the premier league club said. Liverpool confirmed on Thursday they had agreed a fee, thought to be around 4 million pounds ($5.83 million), with Dutch club Feyenoord for goalkeeper Dudek. But the 28-year-old had not completed a medical at that stage, while Liverpool also had to apply for a work permit. Kirkland, 20, who has long been admired by Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, will now challenge current number one Sander Westerveld for the Reds' goalkeeping shirt.

Westerveld, has come under scrutiny for his performances, and his last-minute blunder consigned Liverpool to a 2-1 defeat at Bolton Wanderers in the premier league on Monday. Kirkland, who stands a towering 6ft 6in, has been capped at all levels up to England under-21 and had attracted the interest of many premier league clubs. Liverpool first made an approach to Coventry in the summer, but balked at the 10 million pounds ($14.59 million) asking price. However, after agreeing a new five-year deal at Highfield Road just weeks ago, Kirkland picked up an injury at Stockport on the opening day of the season which has since sidelined him from the first team. Liverpool had reportedly agreed a 4.85 million pounds fee with Feyenoord for Dudek and are thought to have paid a similar amount for Kirkland. By signing on Friday he is eligible to play in the Champions League.