Caoimhin Kelleher would be a far more reliable option for Chelsea than either of their two current goalkeepers.
That’s the verdict of former Blues and Ireland midfielder Andy Townsend, who has urged his old club to break out the chequebook this summer and sign the Corkman from Liverpool.
Kelleher’s Anfield days appear to be numbered, with Giorgi Mamardashvili finally set to arrive from Valencia, a year after a deal was struck to sign the Georgia netminder.
It is widely expected that he will battle with current number one Alisson for the starting spot next season, potentially leaving Kelleher in limbo.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with the 26-year-old, who has been at Liverpool since the summer of 2015 when he joined from Ringmahon Rangers.
Manager Enzo Maresca has struggled in that department this season, with both Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez failing to convince the Stamford Bridge faithful that they are long-term options in that role.
Townsend believes that Kelleher is the answer to his former club’s goalkeeping woes.
“Caoimhin Kelleher is absolutely better than Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez. He is more reliable than those two,” said the Italia ‘90 and USA ‘94 star.
“If Chelsea wants to seriously over the next two or three years have a real tilt at winning the Premier League and I think there is some way off that.
“But if they do, then they are going to need to get another goalie in. Kelleher has shown that in big moments in those cup wins for Liverpool, in big matches.
“He actually has a very understated way of performing as a goalkeeper.”
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