ASTON VILLA have joined the hunt for Caoimhin Kelleher – as major rivals eye Emi Martinez.
Liverpool‘s £30million-rated back-up keeper Kelleher has also been linked with Chelsea and West Ham.
RexLiverpool’s reliable second-choice stopper Caoimhin Kelleher is understood to be hungry for more regular first-team action[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialEmo Martinez was emotional after what could be his last Villa home game[/caption]
Villa‘s interest comes as Martinez appeared to bid a tearful farewell to home fans after Friday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham.
Manchester United, Barcelona and Saudi Pro League are amongst clubs understood to be monitoring the Argentinian’s situation.
It makes finding a new No1 a summer priority for Villa boss Unai Emery.
Sources close to the Midlanders say Ireland ace Kelleher is being tracked.
The 26-year-old is itching for regular first-team football after failing to dislodge Brazilian star Alisson at Anfield.
Villa are reportedly also considering Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, who is also said to have been on Arsenal and Man Utd’s ‘s radar over the last year.
The Spaniard, 24, is sure to be in demand.
And Villa know that such fierce competition for Garcia would likely lead to a long fight for his signature.
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So it’s claimed club chiefs are focusing their sights on Kelleher.
He’s proved himself a capable deputy to Alisson, having kept eight clean sheets in 25 Premier League appearances for the newly-crowned champions.
Kelleher is also believed to prefer staying in the Prem to moving overseas.
And Villa look an attractive option, especially if they could once more qualify for the Champions League.
Georgia stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili is arriving at Liverpool within weeks.
So Kelleher might drop down to third-choice, should he stay with Arne Slot‘s men.
Slot is thought to have told club officials he expects Kelleher to depart.
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