Liverpool eyeing Championship star as Caoimhin Kelleher replacement

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson as they prepare for life without current number two Caoimhin Kelleher.

Kelleher is under contract until 2026 but Liverpool would reportedly be willing to sell the 24-year-old if their asking price of around £20m was met.

If there was a need to sign a new backup goalkeeper, the Daily Mail are claiming that Jurgen Klopp is interested in Black Cats stopper Patterson, who at 23 years old has already impressed in England's second tier.

He's made over 100 appearances for Sunderland during his relatively short career and is therefore being touted as one to watch for the future.

As such, he could be the perfect back-up to Alisson Becker in the Liverpool goal should Kelleher decide to leave.

It is uncertain whether the Ireland international will depart Merseyside this summer.

However, as has been reported for the last couple of years, Kelleher is reportedly seeking regular first-team action and could try to force a move later this year, having been relatively accommodating to Klopp's needs in past summers.

What may block a potential move away is Liverpool's heightened valuation of the goalkeeper, which looks unlikely to be met by any Premier League team - especially after his imperfect performances this season.

That said, it doesn't look like Liverpool are especially desperate to ship off their number two, with Klopp previously stating that he can't see Kelleher leaving.

"Honestly, I can't see Caoimh leaving," he said.

"It must be an extraordinary offer for me to start thinking, I have to say."