Aston Villa are in the market for a new shot-stopper and have set their sights on Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher. According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, the Birmingham-based club have been handed a boost in their pursuit, with the Reds open to cashing in on the Irish goalkeeper.
While speaking to Football Insider, the transfer expert said: “Kelleher will figure highly up on that wanted list at Aston Villa”,
“At this stage of his career, Kelleher – now 26 – will feel that he probably needs to move on for the good of his career, just to be playing regular first team football.
“Liverpool would be open to selling him this summer, and will accept the right offer, especially with the player entering the final year of his contract at Anfield.
“Villa will be looking at a number of goalkeepers I’m sure to replace Martinez, who will be leaving behind some big gloves to fill.”
Kelleher has come up the ranks at Liverpool and has been a part of their first-team setup since 2019. While he has made the most of every opportunity he has had, the 26-year-old has spent the majority of his time on the bench with Alisson Becker ahead of him in the pecking order.
Having featured in just 20 games this season, the Irish shot-stopper is keen on having a bigger role. He is unlikely to get that at Liverpool as Becker is still going strong and they have already signed Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will take over from him as their new number one in the future.
Kelleher is keen on making the move away from Anfield as he seeks regular first-team football. Aston Villa have emerged as a potential destination for the 26-year-old. Unai Emery’s team are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper as Emiliano Martinez is set to leave the club.
The Argentine goalkeeper has recently swapped agents as he looks to speed up his exit from Villa Park. With him leaving, Emery wants a top-level replacement. Villa are looking at all the possible options but the report suggests Kelleher is at the top of their wishlist.
The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his deal at Liverpool and he is keen on leaving. As a result, Villa seems confident about striking a deal for him. Meanwhile, the Reds are also ready to cash in on him, which is a massive boost for the Birmingham-based club.
Liverpool will be looking for a fee close to £40 million to sanction his departure. While it is a significant sum for a player with only a year left on his deal, the price tag won’t deter Villa as Martinez’s departure will give them enough funds to try and sign Kelleher.
