After almost a decade at Liverpool, Caoimhin Kelleher may be one of the players who steps up before the window closes, if he needs to play in the first team.
The Irish foreigner has been Alisson’s understudy for several years and has made just 32 appearances for the Reds, suggesting it may be time for them to cash in on the 25-year-old’s credit.
Goalkeepers peak around the age of 30, and it’s imperative that Kelleher enjoy the game at its highest point while still having time to grow.
A number of clubs are believed to be interested in the Irish goalkeeper, but where will he play his football on February 2?Let’s dive into some destinations.
Rumours suggest that Celtic are ultimately leading the race to secure Kelleher’s signing, with Brendan Rodgers’ links with Liverpool giving them the edge.
This would leave Rodgers without a first-choice goalkeeper, as Hart’s back-up Scott Bain has made just five league appearances in the past three seasons.
With an eight-point lead over rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic look set to qualify for the Champions League again.
Thus presenting an invaluable opportunity for the Irish goalkeeper to leave an indelible mark at Europe’s highest level as he looks to ascend to the two Champions League appearances he has played for Liverpool.
The sacking of Gary O’Neil as Bournemouth boss sparked confusion in June.
O’Neil, now Wolves manager, hopes to get the best out of his former club by luring Liverpool’s No. 2 to sign for him in the West Midlands.
Wolves are the 6/4 favourites to get Kelleher before the deadline and may almost offer him Premier League football next season.
Jose Sa is currently the Wanderers No.1, but the Portuguese international has kept just two clean sheets in 18 appearances in the league this campaign.
Kelleher is six years younger than Sa and can be a long-term replacement as O’Neil tries to propel Wolves into a first-half team.
Andoni Iraola, the man tasked with replacing O’Neil in the dugout at Vitality Stadium, has done a more than decent job so far.
Experienced goalkeeper Neto is currently between the sticks for the south coast club and odds of 5/2 suggests Kelleher could be in line to replace him soon.
At 34, Neto’s days in the elite are possibly numbered and Iraola can also see the Irish foreigner as a new number one.
Although Sheffield United will secure the Premier League next season, the transition to first-team football would be less difficult for Kelleher if he could exert his industry in the championship.
Wes Foderingham has controlled just one blank sheet of paper this season as the Blades remain in the standings.
That may come from the Irish goalkeeper and the Blades are 3/1 away from being Kelleher’s next club of choice.
Elsewhere, Brighton are in the race at odds of 4/1.
The Seagulls are still looking for a balance between domestic and European competitions, which offers opportunities for Kelleher.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are currently eighth in the league and have reached the last 16 of the Europa League, so Kelleher could have everything to play for in the second part of the season if he were to sign up this winter.
The Bees were present on the Irishman’s signage this summer before opting to shell out £11m to sign Mark Flekken.
Nottingham Forest (7/1) would offer a chance, but with Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos in their ranks, they would face a tough festival for a starting spot.
Enzo Maresca is doing a job, seven clear things at the top of the league with Leicester.
Mads Hermansen has played in every league game for the Foxes this season, Kelleher will no doubt be noticed as an improvement between the sticks.
If Maresca needs to recruit to return to the Premier League, a 10/1 chance of him hiring the Liverpool assistant proves to be a smart bet.