Liverpool have reportedly been approached by Brentford over a move for Caoimhin Kelleher. The goalkeeper issued a public transfer request last September after the Reds had landed Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.
Kelleher, 26, joined Liverpool from Irish club Ringmahon Rangers a decade ago and has gone on to feature 67 times for the Reds first team. But he has never been able to usurp Alisson as his side’s No. 1. And Arne Slot signalled his intention to put his faith in a new shot-stopper last summer when he signed Mamardashvili in a £29million deal.
According to Sky Sports, Brentford have approached Liverpool over signing Kelleher as Bayer Leverkusen are closing in on the Bees’ current keeper Mark Flekken.
The outlet have reported that Liverpool value Kelleher at £20m, with Brentford said to be in pole position to land the Republic of Ireland international despite interest from a number of clubs.
Brentford are open to selling Flekken to Leverkusen, who have appointed former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag as their new manager, and are in negotiations over a £12m transfer.
Kelleher, who has one more year remaining on his contract at Anfield, is desperate for first team football.
And just days after last summer’s transfer window closed, he explained: “I made it clear in the last few years that I want to go somewhere and be a No. 1.
“The club has made that decision to get a goalkeeper, which makes it look like they’ve made a decision to go another direction.
“Liverpool have rejected a few bids as well. It’s not always in my hands to fully make the decision. My ambition is clear. I’m good enough and I want to go and play week in, week out.”
Meanwhile, Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson explained earlier this month: “I just want him to go to a club where he will play on a regular basis.
“He has been playing at the highest level, whether it’s the Champions League or the Premier League, and done really well. I just want him to be happy and playing regularly.
“I know he wants to be playing at the highest level. I guess – I don’t know for sure – he will be playing at the highest level.
“He has spoken about that himself. I don’t mind [where], so long as he’s playing on a regular basis because he is too good not to be playing.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk