Yahoo News Liverpool stance revealed after renewed Caoimhin Kelleher links with Nottingham Forest transfer
Nottingham Forest have been dealt a blow regarding reported interest in Caoimhin Kelleher as it is claimed he remains in Liverpool's plans for the upcoming campaign.
Recently there have been suggestions of re-emerging interest in the goalkeeper after supposedly seeing a £15m offer turned down in January. He got an extended run of matches last campaign when first-choice Alisson Becker was injured, since telling The Athletic he wants to have a regular starting spot at the top level.
"I loved it. I thrived on it. I’d been waiting for a moment like that. It was a massive opportunity for me to be Liverpool’s No.1 for that long," said the 25-year-old.
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"It was my time to show the level I believe I can perform at and the level people at the club think I’m able to play at. I proved that I’m good enough to play in the Premier League — I’m comfortable there. I’ve always had that belief in myself. Proving it to people was satisfying."
It was initially reported that the Merseyside club's stance would be to allow his departure during the current transfer window as clubs like Forest watched on. However, those details have been dismissed with a counter claim, again coming The Athletic.
They report that as new head coach Arne Slot officially begins pre-season preparations on Monday, he sees the Irishman as part of his blueprint for the upcoming campaign. Third-choice goalkeeper Adrian is now out of contract and is expected to turn down a renewal offer, therefore the focus will be add another in this department rather than lose another.
That said, Kelleher's price tag has been re-evaluated compared to prior speculation and it is said he would command a fee of £25m, rather than £35m.
Saudi Pro League interest in Alisson remains intact, though he is not pushing for an exit to the Gulf state. This would mean barring another injury for the Brazilian, Kelleher would likely return to his duty as reserve for Premier League fixtures, potentially for Champions League fixtures as well, and return to the starting line-up for cup matches only.
Even if they miss out, Forest are expected to announce the signing of Carlos Miguel from Corinthians on the back of Odysseas Vlachodimos' exit to Newcastle United.
