Ex-Chelsea man has already said transfer target is 'top drawer' with £35m offer 'prepared'

Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has backed the Blues to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher amid reports that Enzo Maresca wants to sign the Reds’ backup.

Reports have emerged that Chelsea are considering a deal for Kelleher, for who Liverpool have set an asking price of £35m for. The Irish international is currently filling in for Alisson at Anfield as the Brazilian is out injured, however, he will soon return to his backup role.

Furthermore, Liverpool have signed Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvilli who will join the club in July 2025 meaning that Kelleher’s role may be even more reduced next season.

Former Chelsea man Jason Cundy has been impressed with the 25-year-old and raved about his ability. He told TalkSPORT recently: “Whenever I see Kelleher play, he looks top drawer, Liverpool don’t look weaker. Sometimes when you see a number two goalkeeper come in, you might see the defence drop a bit deeper or they’re a bit hesitant with their back passes – not a bit of it.

“He’s played a lot in the last 18 months, two years, both in the Carabao Cup, Champions League but he never looks out of place. Liverpool don’t look any weaker with him in goal and that’s a massive compliment by the way, huge.”

Kelleher’s desire to leave Liverpool

The Irish international has previously spoken out about his disappointment not to leave Anfield as he is searching for consistent first-team football, something that he’s not had at Liverpool.

If he were to join Chelsea, he would compete with Robert Sanchez for the goalkeeper spot in Enzo Maresca’s side which could be a close test due to the inconsistency of the current Chelsea stopper. Sanchez has made just two Premier League clean sheets this season, despite Chelsea’s excellent start to the season, his last came in their 3-0 win over West Ham in September.

On his Anfield future, Kelleher said in October via the Telegraph:“I was quite clear [last summer] that I wanted to play first-team football, whether that was here or elsewhere. I wanted to be a No 1. That was my thought process – but it’s always been my thought process because obviously I am a football player and, like every player, I want to play.

“I’m not going to enjoy myself or be happy sitting on the bench. When I was coming through the academy to work my way up, obviously when you first get into the No. 2 position you’re happy and it’s progress. I think with anything after a while, maybe after doing a few seasons of a similar thing, you want to keep pushing forward and keep going to the next level. I’ve played a lot of games now as well and shown my level. The next step for me is to be playing week in, week out and every week.”