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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.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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Caoimhin Kelleher celebrates with teammates after Liverpool win the EFL Cup on February 27, 2022
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool22165154213353
2Arsenal23138244212347
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest24145540271347
4Manchester CityMan City23125647301741
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle23125641271441
6Chelsea23117545301540
7Bournemouth23117541261540
8Aston Villa2310763435-137
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2481063538-334
10Fulham238963431333
11Brentford2394104240231
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd2385102832-429
13Crystal Palace236982630-427
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2376102844-1627
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs2373134637924
16Everton225891928-923
17Leicester CityLeicester2345142549-2417
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2344153252-2016
19Ipswich TownIpswich2337132147-2616
20Southampton2313191653-376


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