Man City to swoop in for Caoimhin Kelleher?! Pep Guardiola urged to consider Liverpool backup goalkeeper as Ederson replacement

David James has urged Manchester City to consider signing Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as an Ederson replacement.

• Kelleher likely to leave Liverpool this summer
• David James urges Man City to sign Kelleher
• Ederson's future at Etihad Stadium uncertain

WHAT HAPPENED?

Kelleher joined the Liverpool senior team in 2019 after having come up through the Reds' youth system. The Irish international has made a total of 67 appearances for the senior side, but has not been the first choice throughout the period, as Alisson Becker has held the post. With Liverpool bringing Giorgi Mamardashvili in, it is now likely that Kelleher will leave Anfield this summer.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

West Ham are said to be interested in signing Kelleher this summer from Liverpool, however, former Reds and Manchester City keeper James has urged Pep Guardiola to sign the Irish international to replace the underperforming Ederson in goal for next season.

WHAT JAMES SAID

Speaking to Prime Casino, James said: "Yeah, I think for Ederson, if you go back to last season, maybe the season before even, Ali and Eddie for me were the top two goalkeepers around, without question. I think he's had a difficult season. I think that's fair to say. A lot of off-field issues perhaps from the beginning of the season, which has been a bit of a legacy throughout the season. He seems happy, maybe that's because he's getting his assist now. But if Eddie were to move, I think Stefan Ortega has proven to be a reliable number two.

"But even the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher could be a suitable replacement if Pep Guardiola was looking to replace Eddie because Caoimhín, in his role for Liverpool, is essentially doing everything that Eddie does for Manchester City. Caoimhín’s got that calmness about him. He's unflappable. He's won trophies, which is a major thing. He knows how to get into those positions to win trophies. He's been involved in penalty shootouts, all the stuff that you want from a top goalkeeper. Again, sort of answers two questions in one, doesn't it, about Caoimhin.

"If Liverpool needed to move one goalkeeper on, and Man City might need one. You know, you probably wouldn't even have to relocate because it's only 45 minutes down the road. You don’t often see moves like that between two title rivals, but I think this one could benefit all parties."

WHAT NEXT FOR KELLEHER?

With Alisson back in action, Kelleher is unlikely to play until the end of the season as long as the Brazilian goalkeeper will be keen on being back in form before the Club World Cup in the summer.