Manchester United 's pursuit of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya could leave Jurgen Klopp with a transfer headache.
That's because Brentford are reportedly eyeing Liverpool No.2 Caoimhin Kelleher to succeed contract rebel Raya, who United hope can challenge David de Gea for the gloves at Old Trafford next season after completing a deal worth up to £35million. Kelleher, 24, has been forced to play second fiddle to the brilliant and reliable Alisson Becker ever since breaking through at Anfield.
The Republic of Ireland international has enjoyed some spectacular moments, such as shining in the 2022 Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea on penalties, but is itching for first-team football after another campaign largely spent on the bench. With Brentford set to need a new shot-stopper, the Bees are plotting a move which would leave Klopp searching to find a new understudy.
According to the Sun, Liverpool are willing to let Kelleher go for a fee between £10-12m as a reward for his patience and professionalism while being Alisson's main apprentice for the past two terms. Brighton are also interested in the Irishman's services, although would need to offload Robert Sanchez in order to have a vacancy in goal.
Raya has rejected two new contract offers from Brentford which puts him on course to walk away for free in just 13 months' time. Selling him for big money this summer could be the best option for Thomas Frank and co, with United believed to be keen on recruiting the highly-rated 27-year-old, who's notably pushed long-serving Red Devil De Gea out of the Spanish international setup.
If United manager Erik ten Hag were to get his way, rival boss Klopp would likely be forced to wave goodbye to fan favourite Kelleher, who he's constantly spoken highly of and acknowledges is deserving of first-team football. "He is exceptional, he is absolutely exceptional," Klopp hailed last November after Kelleher became the first Liverpool goalkeeper to win four penalty shootouts, a feat made even more remarkable given that he'd only made 18 appearances at that point.
"The goalkeeper coaches are just doing an incredible job, he is there and I am pretty sure he would say it exactly the same, he is their product. He does what they do with him and the goalie they developed is a modern goalie: calm as you like, can play football and on top of that can catch balls and kick the ball out in a really good manner and that's really good."
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Liverpool's boss later claimed that the rising star was "like the blonde version" of Alisson, as he affirmed how important Kelleher is to him. "Caoimh is an outstanding goalie, he's our goalie, that's absolutely great," Klopp added. "A club like us, with all the games we have, needs a goalie of his quality, definitely.
"But if we have something to talk about then I think it would make sense that we speak in between. It's clear that he has the ambition to be a No. 1, but everything must be right. Being the No.1 in the wrong club, all of a sudden you look like you're not that good a goalie. Our style suits him very well, because he’s really calm on the ball as well, you can involve him in the buildup play."
