Liverpool ‘eye up summer transfer’ which may see cult hero depart Anfield in £25m exit

Liverpool ‘eye up summer transfer’ which may see cult hero depart Anfield in £25m exit

Liverpool are set to have a very busy summer.

Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a move for Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Vebruggen, which could see Caoimhin Kelleher offloaded.

The Reds are currently in 10th place in the Premier League and have played like a shell of their former selves, which has caused the club to consider a significant summertime makeover. The centre of the field is where most of Liverpool’s issues are because there aren’t any younger or better choices there.

However, the Anfield outfit appear to be plotting a shake-up in other departments, including the goalkeeping department. According to The Sun, Liverpool want to sign young Dutch shot-stopper Verbruggen and have put him ‘top of their shopping list’.

Despite making just his second appearance for the club on Boxing Day, the 20-year-old has made an impact in the Belgian Pro League this season, quickly rising to the top spot for Anderlecht. Recent reports claim that Liverpool dispatched scouts to observe Verbruggen’s development because they thought he would make the best Alisson replacement.

The Reds are concerned that current second-choice option Kelleher, who made a name for himself when he was moved into Jurgen Klopp’s lineup, may leave the club this summer. When needed, the Republic of Ireland international has excelled, helping Liverpool win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season.

Bart Vebruggen, (Getty Images)

He told Football Insider: “They should not sell him unless he is desperate to leave. If Kelleher is happy to be number two they should keep him. It is a very specialised role as a number two. Your mentality is very different. You prepare all week for a game you know you will most likely not play.

“If you have a player of Kelleher’s ability and quality to be the second choice you keep hold of him. Kelleher probably plays 10-15 games a season. It is a very important job. Liverpool lost Alisson through injury or suspension they need a top-class number two. Let’s say they sell him for £25million.

“To replace him they would have to spend £10-15million so it would not bring in a great deal of money. It is so important that top clubs carry two very good goalkeepers. They should try and keep him for as long as possible.”

In other news, Liverpool keeping tabs on 19-year-old prodigy with a €100m release clause