Celtic are now favourites to land Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, time to close this one out

It looks like Celtic have now become favourites to sign Liverpool second choice ‘keeper, Caoimhin Kellher, according to an article in gambling.com.

Kelleher is now at Evens to sign for Celtic according to the gambling website, ahead of Wolves, Bournemouth, and Sheffiled United.

Kellher, who has been at Liverpool for ten years now, has made only 32 first team appearance, mostly in domestic cup competitions.

At this point in time, it’s unlikely he’ll ever take the starting berth from the current no. 1 at Liverpool, Alisson Becker.

Recent reports have stated that Celtic would have to fork out £20 million for Kelleher if the club wanted to purchase him outright, so the loan to buy route is the most likely option.

Rumours state that Kelleher is keen on a move to Celtic, but whether the two clubs can come to some sort of an agreement remains to be seen.

Brendan Rodgers worked with the goalkeeper during his time at Liverpool, so there’s a previous connection there which is giving Celtic a distinct advantage over other clubs.

With Joe Hart coming to the end of his current contract, it’s imperative the club signs a replacement keeper.

It’s highly unlikely Celtic would offer Hart another extension to continue as the no.1 keeper for next season.

At that point, Hart would be 37 years of age.

So, now should definitely be the time to bring a replacement for the aging veteran.

I wrote an article last week, highlighting the fact that we still need a goalkeeper and a left back.

Kelleher would be more than capable of slotting into the no.1 position for next season, and it would make sense to keep Hart on as back up, and also for his experience.

In reality, Caoimhin Kelleher knows that he would have the opportunity to become the first Irish ‘keeper at Celtic since Packie Bonner.

Shay Given had a brief spell at the club in the early 90’s, but never managed to break through to the first team.

Celtic would be able to offer him the first team football he craves, and the chance to play regularly in European competition as well.

However, I have no doubt that the £20 million asking price would result in many sleepless nights for Peter Lawwell.

In fact, I’m sure it would also put undue pressure on his heart.

So, if Celtic are going to do this, how can they make it happen?

As I alluded to earlier, the club’s preference is a loan to buy option.

I think it would make sense to take Kelleher on loan until the end of the season, and see how he fares out.

If he excels between the sticks, then Celtic will need to make a realistic offer for him.

But you’ve got to question if Liverpool’s £20 million valuation is realistic?

Then you’ve got to ask what Celtic would realistically pay?

If this pans out, I could see Celtic initially offering between £7 and £8 million for Kelleher.

Which in my view, would be a good starting point.

Think about it, is a ‘keeper who has only made 32 first team appearances in ten years really worth £20 million?

You wouldn’t think so, but these are the crazy kinds of asking prices that get bandied about in the EPL.

I’m sure the likes of Bournemouth, Wolves and Sheffield United, would see his price as pretty reasonable.

But not Celtic, and unfortunately, that may be the difference between us signing him, and not.

If any of the EPL clubs who are interested met the asking price, or close to it, that immediately puts us out of the running.

So ultimately, this comes down to how much Caoimhin Kelleher wants to play for Celtic.

And also how good Brendan Rodgers’ powers of persuasion are.

At the end of the day, there’s a reason Celtic are favourites to sign him.

So, let’s just see how this one pans out.

One thing is for sure, if we pull a deal off, Kelleher would be an excellent signing.

I suppose it all boils down to poor Peter Lawwell’s heart, and his sleeping patterns.

And if he can overcome his fear of spending money, and instruct his son to get this deal done.

The signing of Kelleher would represent a huge change in our board’s M.O.

And in the end, that’s the kind of stumbling block that worries me.

Watch this space, I guess.