Aston Villa line up Liverpool star with Anfield agreement deal finalised
Aston Villa have identified Liverpool’s Caomhín Kelleher as a potential replacement for the departing Emiliano Martinez.
Villa are in the market for a new goalkeeper with reports that the World Cup-winning Martinez will leave the club at the end of this season.
The Irishman has deputised on numerous occasions for Alisson Becker, but is expected to leave the Premier League champions this summer.
Aston Villa join race for £30 million-rated Kelleher
Unai Emery will look to swoop in for Kelleher as their new number one for next season, according to The Sun on 20 May.
Kelleher made 20 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool this season, keeping nine clean sheets in total as he replaced the injured Alisson.
Chelsea and West Ham have also been linked with the 26-year-old, who is almost certain to depart Anfield during the summer transfer window.
The Republic of Ireland international also has 22 caps for his nation and is seen as the perfect fit for Villa and their Champions League ambitions.
With Arne Slot’s team already finalising the signing of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for next season, this summer is the ideal opportunity for Kelleher to leave Anfield.
Emery needs to top goalkeeper with Martinez linked away
Aston Villa are in need of a new No 1 as a replacement for Martinez, who is seemingly on his way out of Villa Park, with clubs in Turkey and Saudi Arabia vying for his signature.
The Argentine signed for Villa in 2020 from Arsenal and has been a key part of the club’s recent successes, but his departure looks imminent.
He was seen waving goodbye to the Villa Park faithful following Friday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham, indicating he had played his last home game for the club.
Villa have secured European football for a third consecutive season and will look to strengthen the squad ahead of another busy campaign next season.
Kelleher may not be the only signing for Emery’s back line, with Axel Disasi reported to be making his loan move from Chelsea permanent.
Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers could also be following Martinez out the door, with both players linked with exits as the club try to comply with PSR regulations.