Liverpool ‘plot shock transfer for England U21s goalkeeper’ if Caoimhin Kelleher leaves in summer

LIVERPOOL have reportedly identified an England Under-21 as a potential replacement for Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Reds are currently preparing for the departure of boss Jurgen Klopp this summer but a number of players could also be on the move.

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Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Anthony Patterson from Sunderland[/caption]

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Caoimhin Kelleher has plenty of clubs keen on signing him this summer[/caption]

And that could lead to some big changes in the goalkeeping department regarding back-up for their Brazilian No.1 Alisson.

Third-choice stopper Adrian, 37, seems set to leave once his contract expires in June.

Interest has been mounting in Irish keeper Kelleher after his impressive campaign that has led to him stepping in to replace injury-riddled Alisson 26 times so far.

The 25-year-old has come through the ranks at Anfield since joining from Ringmahon Rangers in his homeland back in 2015.

Nottingham Forest had a bid rejected for him on January’s deadline day and their boss Nuno Espirito Santo remains a big fan.

Kelleher’s price tag will have continued to rise since then due to his impressive displays over the past two months.

Celtic are also believed to be keen but could be priced out of a transfer.

Liverpool “would likely not stand in Kelleher’s way” if he wanted to go to become a No1 in his own right elsewhere, according to a new report by the Daily Mail.

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And the same publication has also identified the list of potential replacements for him.

They claim that the Reds have “retained an interest” in Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson.

The 23-year-old helped the Black Cats to win the League One play-offs two years ago and has shone in the Championship since.

That has led to him being recognised at international level after winning an England U21 cap last summer.

Meanwhile, another England U21 ace has also been mentioned.

We have reported previously how a number of Premier League teams have been scouting Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle.

He has shone for Shaun Maloney’s team in the League One this season.

And Liverpool are also believed to be among those that are continuing to monitor the 22-year-old’s progress, says the Mail.

Kelleher’s exit would mean the Reds would be in the market for a new back-up, although he could decide to stick around on Merseyside.

Liverpool do have a number of youngsters that they could call upon to step up, although it is felt that none of those are quite “ready” to make that jump just yet.

Therefore they are looking at targets with first-team experience.