The transfer window is yet to open and it leaves Leeds United in a sort of in-between limbo, able to start drawing up lists of potential targets without making any serious moves.
Last season of course, it was different. Full focus was on the play-offs and success – or as it turns out, failure – determined how the summer would play out. This time, Leeds know signings need to be made.
Leeds seem to be focusing most of their attention on players currently in the Premier League and for top-flight clubs, the season is still ongoing with two more games and cup finals still to be played this season.
So for now, Leeds have to play a bit of a waiting game. Draw up shortlists and make tentative enquiries, unable to go full hammer and tongue. But one Leeds target has now been urged to leave his current club.
Ireland manager urges Caoimhin Kelleher to leave Liverpool
A priority for Leeds this summer is the goalkeeping situation. Illan Meslier is likely to leave Leeds and Karl Darlow is expected to revert to back-up option – meaning, Leeds need to sign a new no.1 goalkeeper.
Four England internationals have been linked in James Trafford, Sam Johnstone, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale. As has Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, who remains no.2 behind Alisson at Liverpool currently.
Speaking to the Irish Echo, Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has told Kelleher to leave Liverpool: “I just want Caoimhin to go to a club where he will play. He has been playing at the highest level.
“Champions League, Premier League, done really well. I just want him to be happy and play regularly. I don’t mind where he goes so long as he is playing on a regular basis, he is too good not to be playing.’’
Where Leeds United stand in race to sign Caoimhin Kelleher…
Clearly, Kelleher is going to be the subject of interest this summer with the Ireland star now seemingly too good to be Liverpool’s no.2. The Reds have already completed a deal for Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Plenty of Premier League clubs have shown interest in Kelleher. But according to Graeme Bailey, Leeds are in the mix and have opened talks to sign Kelleher despite reports of Liverpool wanting £40m for him.
Leeds will face plenty of competition with Newcastle, Bournemouth and other top-tier sides in the market for a new shot-stopper. But The Whites guarantee first-team football for Kelleher, if he does join.
