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Liverpool 'have interest in relegation-threatened Premier League player'

Liverpool 'have interest in relegation-threatened Premier League player'
© Reuters
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford during the summer transfer window.

Liverpool have reportedly identified a player who could be relegated from the Premier League this season as a potential transfer target.

The Merseyside giants have spent the past three months trying to secure a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, who is departing his role as manager.

As it stands, it appears highly likely that Feyenoord boss Arne Slot will soon be confirmed as his successor with a compensation package having been finalised between the clubs.

Slot's first task, should he arrive at Anfield, will be to determine whether the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah intend on remaining on Merseyside when their contracts are due to expire in 2025.

However, the Dutchman will also be of the understanding that he will have to work swiftly with the club's recruitment team to assess where changes need to be made going forward.

Feyenoord coach Arne Slot reacts on February 22, 2024© Reuters

Liverpool considering goalkeeping situation?

With Alisson Becker in the squad, Liverpool's number-one jersey is locked up, but that is not necessarily the case when it comes to his deputy.

Caoimhin Kelleher is allegedly eager to leave Liverpool in order to secure regular action elsewhere; the Republic of Ireland international's 26 appearances this season have largely been due to injuries to Alisson.

In the past, there has been a reluctance to do business from Klopp, who values the 25-year-old, but his exit creates an opening for Kelleher to push harder for a departure.

According to Football Insider, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has emerged as a realistic alternative for Kelleher.

The recruitment staff at Liverpool are said to rate the England Under-21 international and could take advantage if Burnley are relegated to the Championship.

Brentford's Neal Maupay in action with Burnley's James Trafford on October 21, 2023© Reuters

How has Trafford performed at Burnley?

Last summer, Burnley raised a few eyebrows by committing to a deal that could reach £19m to sign Trafford from Manchester City, despite having never played a minute in the Premier League.

Trafford had just kept six successive clean sheets in guiding England Under-21s to the European Championship, but shutouts have been a rarity for him at Turf Moor.

Just two have been recorded in 28 Premier League games, and Trafford has since lost his place in the side, not featuring since March 10.

Although Trafford holds a contract until 2027, Burnley may be prepared to cash in on his signature should they receive an offer in the region of what they shelled out less than 12 months ago.

Liverpool would first need to generate their desired fee for Kelleher, likely very similar to the £15m-£20m bracket that may be required for Trafford.

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Caoimhin Kelleher celebrates with teammates after Liverpool win the EFL Cup on February 27, 2022
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2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
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11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


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