Liverpool offered former Arsenal player in Caoimhin Kelleher deal

Liverpool were offered a chance to sign a former Arsenal player yesterday. The Reds didn’t hesitate with their response.

News broke on Thursday evening that Liverpool had rejected an offer from Nottingham Forest for Caoimhin Kelleher. The Reds didn't feel the offer was good enough and have 'no intention' to sell the Irishman this late in the transfer window.

This wasn't the first time Forest have tried to sign Kelleher this year, either. They had a bid rejected back in January of around £15m - Liverpool certainly weren't going to sell back then, given how important he became midway through the campaign.

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Everyone expected Forest to return in this window and they have, albeit too late. What's most surprising, however, is what the offer was.

Per the Athletic, Forest offered a cash-plus-player deal to Liverpool for Kelleher. The cash side of it isn't specified but the player is - goalkeeper Matt Turner.

The American joined Forest last year, making 17 Premier League appearances after arriving from Arsenal. It appears Forest were attempting to get around the late-in-the-window problem by immediately handing Liverpool a replacement.

However, the deal wasn't entertained. All sources claim it was 'well below' the Reds' valuation of Kelleher, which approaches £30m.

Caoimhin Kelleher to stay

There's now virtually no chance that Kelleher will leave Liverpool this summer. The Reds are counting on him to be top-tier backup to Alisson Becker, whose injury record forces the Reds into boasting a reliable backup.

Kelleher is certainly that, while Turner wouldn't have been. The offer suggests Forest are a little desperate in their search for a no.1.

As for Kelleher, it'll be interesting to see how his season goes. He has open desires to be a first-choice goalkeeper, while he also knows that Giorgi Mamardashvili is on his way to Liverpool next summer.

A strong season perhaps throws a spanner into the works, though.