Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Victor

Jurgen Klopp hints at scale of Liverpool transfer plans but rules out 'unrealistic' move

Jurgen Klopp is preparing to make significant changes to his squad during the summer transfer window, but goalkeeper is one position where he is not anticipating movement.

The Reds have a number of players out of contract at the end of the season, many of them long-serving senior stars. Roberto Firmino and James Milner are due to depart after eight years at Anfield, while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also on the way out.

One man who won't be leaving, though, is Caoimhin Kelleher. A number of Premier League rivals are reportedly keen on the Irish international, who remains second choice behind Alisson, but Klopp has called an exit "unrealistic".

"We look in all departments apart from goalkeeper at the moment,’ Klopp said ahead of Liverpool's Saturday game against Aston Villa. "Yes, if there is a good [defender] out there, I would not deny it. That's all. We look at all areas of the pitch, definitely."

Klopp has also been clear on his stance around Kelleher. The 24-year-old has been linked with Brentford as a potential replacement for in-demand David Raya, while Spurs have also been mentioned as potential suitors, but it appears he's going nowhere.

“Caoimhin Kelleher? He has a contract! You want us to say goodbye just in case?” Klopp said.

“I honestly can’t see Caoimh leaving. It must be an extraordinary offer for me to start thinking [of selling him], I have to say.”

What do Liverpool need to do this summer? Have your say in the comments section

Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to stay at Liverpool (Rui Vieira/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

A key position for Liverpool this summer will be midfield. Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita are all on the way out, with Arthur returning to Juventus after his loan and Stefan Bajcetic working his way back to full fitness and match sharpness after the season-ending injury he suffered in March.

Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is among the names to have been linked, though the World Cup winner will not come cheap. Others mentioned in connection with the Reds include Sporting star Manuel Ugarte and Feyenoord youngster Orhan Kokcu, with more than one addition likely to be made.

On the defensive side of things, the Reds have been linked with Ajax youngster Jurrien Timber. The centre-back's Dutch international team-mate Cody Gakpo joined in January, while Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk is already at Anfield.

Gakpo's mid-season arrival - as well as that of Darwin Nunez last summer - might suggest the forward line is less in need of reinforcement than other areas. However, based on Klopp's comments, the Reds may yet add a new signing to fill the gap left by Firmino, who has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and the United States but could yet stay in Europe.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.