MX23RW : Monday, May 20 20:33:50| >> :60:536:536:

Liverpool 'have interest in relegation-threatened Premier League player'

Liverpool 'have interest in relegation-threatened Premier League player'
© Reuters
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford during the summer transfer window.

Liverpool have reportedly identified a player who could be relegated from the Premier League this season as a potential transfer target.

The Merseyside giants have spent the past three months trying to secure a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, who is departing his role as manager.

As it stands, it appears highly likely that Feyenoord boss Arne Slot will soon be confirmed as his successor with a compensation package having been finalised between the clubs.

Slot's first task, should he arrive at Anfield, will be to determine whether the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah intend on remaining on Merseyside when their contracts are due to expire in 2025.

However, the Dutchman will also be of the understanding that he will have to work swiftly with the club's recruitment team to assess where changes need to be made going forward.

Feyenoord coach Arne Slot reacts on February 22, 2024© Reuters

Liverpool considering goalkeeping situation?

With Alisson Becker in the squad, Liverpool's number-one jersey is locked up, but that is not necessarily the case when it comes to his deputy.

Caoimhin Kelleher is allegedly eager to leave Liverpool in order to secure regular action elsewhere; the Republic of Ireland international's 26 appearances this season have largely been due to injuries to Alisson.

In the past, there has been a reluctance to do business from Klopp, who values the 25-year-old, but his exit creates an opening for Kelleher to push harder for a departure.

According to Football Insider, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford has emerged as a realistic alternative for Kelleher.

The recruitment staff at Liverpool are said to rate the England Under-21 international and could take advantage if Burnley are relegated to the Championship.

Brentford's Neal Maupay in action with Burnley's James Trafford on October 21, 2023© Reuters

How has Trafford performed at Burnley?

Last summer, Burnley raised a few eyebrows by committing to a deal that could reach £19m to sign Trafford from Manchester City, despite having never played a minute in the Premier League.

Trafford had just kept six successive clean sheets in guiding England Under-21s to the European Championship, but shutouts have been a rarity for him at Turf Moor.

Just two have been recorded in 28 Premier League games, and Trafford has since lost his place in the side, not featuring since March 10.

Although Trafford holds a contract until 2027, Burnley may be prepared to cash in on his signature should they receive an offer in the region of what they shelled out less than 12 months ago.

Liverpool would first need to generate their desired fee for Kelleher, likely very similar to the £15m-£20m bracket that may be required for Trafford.

ID:542541:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5069:

Click here for more stories about James Trafford

Click here for more stories about Liverpool

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Caoimhin Kelleher celebrates with teammates after Liverpool win the EFL Cup on February 27, 2022
Read Next:
Liverpool 'expect 26-year-old to push for summer transfer'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!