West Ham make Caoimhin Kelleher top summer transfer target as Liverpool name their price for keeper
WEST HAM want to bring in a new No 1 — with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher firmly in their sights.
The Irons like the Republic of Ireland star, 26, and are keen on a deal, especially if they can sign him on loan.
Kelleher may be allowed out by the Kop but they are likely to ask for cash and rate him in the £20million class.
The Hammers are looking for a new keeper, along with other captures in the summer, and are deciding between a couple of elite candidates.
Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale is another major option.
The England ace is also available for about £20m and wants to stay in the Premier League after Saints’ relegation.
Alphonse Areola is Graham Potter’s current first-choice goalie.
But he’s kept just four clean sheets in 21 league games this season, shipping 34 goals in the process.
And Areola’s lack of technicality with his feet makes him unsuited to Potter’s tactics of playing out from the back.
Kelleher has shown he can do the lot under Arne Slot this term, conceding 20 goals in as many games in all competitions while keeping nine clean sheets.
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Liverpool are ready to let him leave, having already completed a deal to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.
While Kelleher is eager to leave Anfield to become a guaranteed starter elsewhere.
As for Ramsdale, his stats make for less pleasant reading.
With Southampton bottom of the table and already relegated, he has shipped 57 goals in 24 league games while keeping just two clean sheets.
But Ramsdale remains highly thought of among top-flight clubs, who have not forgotten his impressive time at Arsenal.
And with the stopper keen to ensure he is in England’s squad for next summer’s World Cup, Ramsdale would likely jump at the chance to sign for the Hammers.