Heading into the summer transfer window, it was clear that Caoimhín Kelleher was ready to make the next step in his career.
Despite being consigned to a backup role at both club and international, the Irishman's game has come on quite a bit in recent seasons. Previous concerns around his shot-stopping and presence in the box have dissipated, with Kelleher impressing during his limited opportunities with both Liverpool and Ireland.
Now 24-years old, he is ready to play on a consistent basis. The goalkeeper has never had a sustained run of games over the course of his career, something that now needs to change.
Liverpool are hesitant to lose their no.2, although it is said that would consider a significant bid for his services during the current transfer window. However, it seems as though his list of potential suitors is quickly narrowing.
Caoimhín Kelleher running out of options this summer
Prior to the off-season, it was said that quite a few clubs held an interest in signing Caoimhín Kelleher. The likes of Brighton, Brentford, Spurs, and Leicester City were all said to be considering a bid to sign him on a permanent basis.
Despite still being in the very early stages of the summer window, his shortlist of potential clubs is no longer as promising as it once seemed.
Brentford are all but out of the running after signing Mark Flekken from Freiburg for a fee of around £11million, while Brighton are said to be close to agreeing a deal to bring in Anderlecht's Bert Verbruggen in a £17million deal.
Spurs have already identified their replacement for Hugo Lloris, with Guglielmo Vicario set for a £17million move from Serie A side Empoli. As for Leicester City, they are no longer in a position to spend a significant amount of goalkeeper after their relegation to the Championship.
Considering all of this, Kelleher can all but discount the above clubs when it comes to considering his next move.
What other options could be available? That remains to be seen.
Luton Town have been mentioned as one possibility, with an initial loan move and obligation to buy if they stay up a deal that could suit all parties.
As for other potential Premier League destinations, Aston Villa are a team to keep an eye on if they move on from Emiliano Martinez. However, there have been little indications that this will be the case despite such rumours in recent months.
Nottingham Forest could be another option if they do not keep Keylor Navas on a permanent basis, while it remains unclear if Burnley or Sheffield United will look to bring in another goalkeeper after their promotion.
Identifying other potentially interested clubs is largely guesswork, but as things stand, it seems unlikely that clubs from outside the Premier League would be able to afford Caoimhín Kelleher. Liverpool are thought to be seeking £25million in order to sell him this summer, a price tag few clubs outside the English top flight would have the ability to match.
As a result, the player is quickly running out of options.
All of this would change rather quickly if Liverpool sanctioned a loan deal for the player, with quite a few sides in the Championship and on the continent likely to show battle it out for his services on a temporary basis if he were available.
In any case, Kelleher will be keen to have his future sorted out sooner rather than later. At this point in his career, he can't afford to spend another season warming the bench at Anfield.
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