Latest developments
- Newcastle United are interested in Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher.
- The Reds' goalkeeper has been tipped to leave for Chelsea.
- The Irishman's future at Liverpool is in doubt despite impressing.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (1.5/5): Murphy's word carries little weight
Former Liverpool man Danny Murphy believes goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher would be a good fit for Newcastle, as the Irishman seeks more regular playing time away from Anfield.
Murphy's claims, as reported by teamtalk.com, means little in terms of transfer negotiations, though the Magpies are said to be “genuine admirers” of the ‘keeper, as per the same source.
Value (3.5/5): Liverpool can't hang about
Long seen as one of the Premier League's best back-up goalkeepers, Kelleher's stock has risen further this season. He's played 14 times so far with seven clean sheets, many of which came when deputising for the injured Alisson.
His market value is now £18.65 million, and with 18 months left on his contract, time is running out for Liverpool to squeeze out a high price for Ireland's number one.
Suitability (5/5): Ready to be main man
Already 26, Kelleher has spent long enough waiting in the wings and has proven his qualities at the Premier League and international levels.
On the evidence of this season so far, there's no doubt that he can handle being the first-choice ‘keeper at a huge club.
Upgrade? (4.5/5): Pope's days numbered
Injury to Nick Pope has forced Newcastle to postpone Martin Dubravka's farewell, with the 36-year-old donning the gloves while Odysseas Vlachodimos and Mark Gillespie are forgotten men at St James' Park.
Pope won't want to relinquish the number one spot just yet, but his inability to play with his feet is said to be holding the Magpies back. This is an issue Kelleher can fix.
Logic (4/5): Less competition than Blues
Liverpool's signing of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili could see Kelleher's game time further restricted from next season, making 2025 the ideal time to leave Anfield.
Chelsea are also said to be monitoring him, and though Robert Sanchez is not a world class goalkeeper, the path to the starting XI at Chelsea will be more of a battle for Kelleher, whereas Newcastle will see him as the undisputed number one.
Whisper+ analysis: 18.5/25
We need more than a suggestion from a former pro, but Newcastle might be wise to listen to the former Reds midfielder.
