West Ham hurdle emerges for Leeds United amid long-standing Liverpool transfer interest | OneFootball

Leeds United have previously been linked with a move for Caoimhín Kelleher

West Ham have set their sights on Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher amid previous links to Leeds United.

According to The Sun, the Hammers are targeting the Irishman as they look to improve Graham Potter’s side for next season.

Kelleher has earned a lot of plaudits for his role as the Reds’ second-choice option between the sticks, regularly stepping in for Alisson Becker in recent years.

The 26-year-old has made 10 appearances in the Premier League so far this season, as well as four in the Champions League, with the club set to win the title for only the second time in 35 years.

Caoimhín Kelleher transfer latest

It has been reported that West Ham are eyeing a move for the Liverpool shot-stopper this summer, with Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale also seen as an option.

It was previously claimed by GiveMeSport that Leeds are among the clubs interested in Kelleher ahead of the upcoming transfer market.

It’s believed that a deal could cost in the region of £25 million, with the player’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2026.

Kelleher’s stock is at an all-time high for the role he’s played in Liverpool’s run to the Premier League title this year.

The Ireland international has kept four clean sheets from 10 appearances in the league, conceding 12.

Kelleher has played more regularly than the typical second-choice goalkeeper due to various injury issues to Alisson in the last couple of seasons, playing a total of 25 times for Liverpool in the league since joining in 2015.

Leeds United’s promotion chase

The signing of Kelleher by Leeds will likely require Daniel Farke’s side to gain promotion to the Premier League, especially with this emerging interest from West Ham.

The Whites currently lead the way at the top of the Championship table, level on points with second-place Burnley.

The gap to Sheffield United in third is now five points with only four games remaining, meaning seven points from 12 will seal promotion given a superior goal difference.

Next up for Leeds is a trip to face Oxford United on 18 April in a 8pm kick-off.

Promotion needed for Kelleher chase

Replacing Illan Meslier could become a major part of Leeds’ summer business, but promotion will be needed to sign someone of Kelleher’s prominence.

The Irishman may be a second-choice, but he’s demonstrated a lot of quality when brought into Arne Slot’s side this season.

He’s played a role in their impending title triumph, and could easily be a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere in the division.