Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said that signing Alex Manninger on a free transfer is the "best solution" for the club.

The 39-year-old former Arsenal goalkeeper completed his switch to Anfield earlier today on a short-term deal that will see him act as a back-up to Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet.

The likes of Danny Ward, Ryan Fulton and Adam Bogdan have all left the club on loan this summer, and Klopp is pleased to have brought in the experience of Manninger as cover.

"Alex has played at a high level in his career in the top division in England, Germany, Spain, Italy and Austria for some very big teams – not many people can say that. He brings us great experience and I know that as a person he is someone who every day will show what a great professional he is and will be important for the squad," he told the club's official website.

"We have sent out some of the goalkeepers on loan and get games, which is important because in this position you only come off the bench if there is an injury or a red card.

"They changed the rules so we cannot bring an U21 goalkeeper back from a team in England during the season if we have a problem, so we had to make a decision – keep somebody back to protect us or bring in someone else who can give us experience and I think this is the best solution to allow others to develop. In this way, this is good for everyone and I am really happy that he comes into the group."

Manninger's last appearance in the Premier League came in 2001 during Southampton's final match at The Dell.