Caoimhin Kelleher
Villa target? Caoimhin Kelleher (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has emerged as a potential candidate to become first choice Aston Villa number one, in the event Emiliano Martinez were to leave Villa Park in the summer transfer window.
Irish international Kelleher has been second choice at Anfield to Brazilian Alisson during this campaign, in which the Reds have secured their 20th English title. The 26-year-old has played 20 times in all competitions but is expected to leave Merseyside this summer in order to nail down a place as a routine selection elsewhere.
Indeed he has been told recently by his Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson that he ought to consider moving to source first-team football regularly.
“I just want Caoimhin to go to a club where he will play on a regular level,” Hallgrimsson told Irish Echo recently. “He has been playing at the highest level, whether it’s the Champions League or the EPL and done really well. I just want him to be happy and play regularly.”
“Caoimhin has spoken about it himself, but I don’t mind where he goes so long as he is playing on a regular basis because he is too good not to be playing.”
Liverpool will also welcome Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili to the club this coming summer, a deal they struck with his existing club Valencia last year ahead of the 2025-26 season - an arrival that'll limit Kelleher's chances of minutes further.
The i Paper reports that Villa are 'eyeing' Kelleher if Martinez leaves this summer; the Argentine was visibly emotional as he waved goodbye to Villa Park for the season after their 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Friday night.
It has since emerged that the 32-year-old - who only signed a new contract with the club last summer - has offers from Europe and from the Saudi Pro League and he could leave in order to pursue a new challenge.
Villa will need to make at least one addition to their goalkeeping department this summer because Martinez's number two Robin Olsen is out of contract and is due to return to his native Sweden after three and a half years at Villa.
Does Kelleher fit the bill if Martinez leaves? Tell us HERE
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