14 January 2024 , 17:01
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Jurgen Klopp has identified Sunderland's Anthony Patterson as a potential replacement for Caoimhin Kelleher should the Liverpool goalkeeper leave the club in the summer.
Kelleher has two-and-a-half years left on his contract at Anfield, but Liverpool would be willing to sell the Republic of Ireland international if their asking price of £20million is met. The 24-year-old is a long-term target of Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and was linked with a move to Brentford last summer.
He has started 11 matches - including five in the Europa League - this season and has cemented himself as Liverpool's No.2 in recent years. But Klopp will have to search for another second-choice if Kelleher does depart and the Reds boss has found a possible replacement.
According to reports, Sunderland shot-stopper Patterson is on Klopp's radar after impressing for the Wearside club. He has made over 100 appearances since breaking into the Black Cats side and was an integral part of their run to the Championship play-offs last season. Wolves and Leicester were credited with an interest for Patterson last year and he is being touted as one to watch for the future.
Patterson is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2026 but was quizzed on his future back in August. "I'm obviously really happy here," he told the Sunderland Echo.
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"This is my team, I have grown up supporting Sunderland. I'm happy here, content and looking forward to many more games. It's that extra bit special being able to play in front of the Sunderland fans and being able to be on the pitch rather than as a fan really."
Anthony Patterson has impressed for Sunderland (Getty Images)As for Liverpool, they haven't signed a first-team goalkeeper since Adrian after the Spaniard arrived following his release from West Ham in 2019. Klopp might need to dip into the market for his first 'keeper in almost five years, but the German is keen on keeping Kelleher.
He told the Cork Echo last month: "We all want Caoimh to make the next step. Some of us have heard rumours and stuff like that, like so we have to let him go and stuff like that. We just can’t. We need a solution for us and we are really happy with Caoimh. But he performs for us on incredibly high levels. He is an exceptional goalkeeper. Yeah, he conceded a few goals where he could have saved if he has more rhythm or he is a bit more lucky."