A priority for Leeds United this summer will be a goalkeeper after Daniel Farke dropped Illan Meslier for Karl Darlow during the final seven Championship games of the season.
Meslier is expected to leave Leeds this summer, with the Frenchman’s contract due to expire in a year. The former Lorient man is still well-liked in France and it is expected he could return to his home nation soon.
Darlow is likely to remain at Elland Road, and revert to the back-up goalkeeper role if Leeds can bring in a new first-choice goalkeeper. Plenty have been linked with Leeds already, including England internationals.
Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone, James Trafford and Nick Pope have all been linked with Leeds but it is an Ireland international that is being touted more than most – namely, Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher.
Gary Kelly urges Leeds to sign Caoimhin Kelleher this summer
Kelly has been doing some media work after Leeds’ friendly against Milan was confirmed as taking place at the Aviva Stadium on August 9. Kelly declared his excitement earlier this week ahead of the friendly.
Speaking to Irish TalkSPORT while promoting the match, Kelly was asked about Leeds’ interest in Kelleher as well as Middlesbrough’s £20m-rated ace Finn Azaz. He responded by urging Leeds to get Kelleher.
“More so Caoimhin,” Kelly said, when asked if Kelleher and Azaz would be good signings for Leeds. “There’s a lot of talk about him coming to Elland Road, we have two good goalkeepers at the moment.
“It’s not a problem, but the step up now, I think Caoimhin needs first-team football if he wants to hang onto the Irish no.1. So at Elland Road, he’d be a great signing. Daniel will have his own ideas,” he added.
“His transfer targets, I’m sure he knows and he’s pencilled out the players he wants at Elland Road. If Caoimhin is one of them, it would be great,” Kelly continued, on the possibility of Kelleher at Leeds.
Leeds United face Premier League competition for Kelleher
Described as “fantastic” by Virgil van Dijk, Kelleher has spent the entirety of his career playing second fiddle at Liverpool. It has long been considered that Kelleher is much better than just being back-up.
Kelleher suggested he would be on the move during Liverpool’s party on the pitch after the final game of the season. Leeds have made enquiries to sign Kelleher who has been rated by some at a huge £40m.
That would make him a club-record signing at Leeds. Brentford also want Kelleher, while Aston Villa are considering a move for Kelleher if Emi Martinez leaves. Other Premier League clubs are in the mix, too.
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