Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has shot down suggestions that Caoimhin Kelleher could leave the club this summer and has claimed that it would take an "extraordinary" bid to sell the Irishman.
For the past couple of years, Kelleher has played second fiddle to the indispensable Alisson Becker in the Reds goal and has been restricted to just four appearances in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old has not played a single minute of top-flight football this season, with his only starts for Liverpool coming during their short-lived EFL Cup and FA Cup defences.
Kelleher's lack of minutes have led to suggestions that he could try to force an exit this summer in search of regular playing time elsewhere, and a host of Premier League clubs are said to be interested in his services.
Tottenham Hotspur have apparently earmarked Kelleher as an ideal replacement for Hugo Lloris, who could seek pastures new this summer, while Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford are also said to be keeping a close eye on the situation.
© Reuters
However, the Republic of Ireland international is contracted to Liverpool for another three years - having penned a long-term extension in the summer of 2021 - and Klopp laughed off speculation over his future on Friday.
"I can't see... honestly, I can't see Caoimh leaving. It must be an extraordinary offer that I start thinking, I have to say," Klopp told reporters at his pre-Aston Villa press conference.
Kelleher departed Ringmahon Rangers in 2015 to join the Liverpool academy ranks, but he has only featured 20 times for the first team in all tournaments, keeping 10 clean sheets.
The 24-year-old has not started a Premier League game since the Reds' 2-2 draw with Chelsea in January 2022, but he was the hero for his side in last year's EFL Cup final, scoring his side's final penalty in a shootout win over Chelsea.
As well as Kelleher, the future of third-choice goalkeeper Adrian is also shrouded in uncertainty ahead of the expiration of his deal this summer, but he was interestingly not named as one of the out-of-contract players to be leaving on Thursday.
© Reuters
Earlier this week, Liverpool announced that Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner would depart as free agents this summer, and Adrian's omission from the list raised a few eyebrows.
Given that his expected exit was not announced, Klopp has a "good feeling" that the 36-year-old will continue to represent the club for the 2023-24 campaign.
"Adrian, if we don't say goodbye [already] what would that mean? That he probably stays, but if there is nothing in the papers then it is not decided yet finally," Klopp added.
"We will not do it [say goodbye] just in case, but I have a rather good feeling that we [will] keep working together in that position."
Klopp also offered a positive update on the condition of Firmino, who is expected to be fit for his final Anfield game in Liverpool colours this weekend, but Darwin Nunez will miss out for the second game running with a toe injury.
The Reds lie fifth in the Premier League table with two games to go and are only one point worse off than Manchester United, but the Red Devils boast a game in hand.
Ben Knapton
