Caoimhin Kelleher emerges as KEY to Liverpool defensive reshuffle

Liverpool have been linked with SEVERAL new defenders ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

Nico Schlotterbeck is the latest centre-back name to be floated as a Virgil van Dijk replacement while Wesley Franca could now come to the club in the place of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

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There is reported Liverpool interest in some Premier League talent too, with Bournemouth in particular looking like a fertile recruitment ground.

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It’s no secret that the Reds admire Milos Kerkez, the Cherries’ left-back, who has emerged as one of the best in his position over the last 12 months or so. Sporting director Richard Hughes signed Kerkez during his time at Dean Court.

And at centre-back, Bournemouth boast Dean Huijsen, who is attracting the interest of clubs across the continent. The 19-year-old only moved to the south coast last summer from Juventus but looks to have quickly outgrown his surroundings.

The Spain under-21 international has also been touted as a potential successor to Van Dijk.

Bournemouth keen on Kelleher

Liverpool now have a potential trump card in any potential negotiations for the Bournemouth pair in the form of goalkeeper Coaimhin Kelleher.

talkSPORT reports that Bournemouth have leapt to the front of the queue for the in-demand shot-stopper, who looks to have played his LAST game for Liverpool.

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The Ireland international, 26, is out of contract in 2026 but Liverpool will be hoping to cash in on him this summer before his value decreases any further.

Kelleher was open to leaving Anfield last summer - with Nottingham Forest and Leeds United among the interested parties - but no team managed to satisfy Liverpool’s demands.

This summer Newcastle, Chelsea and Tottenham could be in the mix for the Reds’ back-up goalkeeper, who is determined to strike out on his own and establish himself as a No1 in his own right.

Kelleher out, Kerkez and Huijsen in?

“[Andoni] Iraola has urged Bournemouth to quickly press ahead with the signing of Kelleher as soon as the window reopens in June,” reports talkSPORT.

Current Bournemouth first-choice Kepa Arrizabalaga will return to Chelsea once his loan spell at the end of the season, leaving the club in the market for a No1.

Kelleher was unhappy when Liverpool signed Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is slated to arrive once his loan spell ends at Valencia come the end of the season.

First-choice Alisson Becker, meanwhile, faces increased competition from the Georgian for his spot in the team next season. Kelleher could well be starring for a different Premier League team by then.

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And if Hughes plays his cards right, a deal that takes Kelleher to Bournemouth could have benefits when it comes to negotiations for Kerkez or Huijsen.

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