Aston Villa Ready to Sign ‘World-Class’ Goalkeeper to Replace Martinez

 Aston Villa have identified Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as a potential replacement for Emiliano Martinez, Spanish outlet Fichajes has claimed.

The Villans could part ways with the 2022 World Cup winner after the season and are beginning to consider potential successors between the posts.

While they remain interested in Arsenal target Joan Garcia, Kelleher has recently emerged as another option amid his anticipated Anfield departure this summer.

The Irish shot-stopper is likely to leave Liverpool in search of regular Premier League minutes, and his potential availability has put a number of top-flight clubs on alert, with Chelsea, Newcastle and Bournemouth among the admirers.

Aston Villa Eyeing Caoimhin Kelleher

As Emiliano Martinez’s replacement in goal

According to Fichajes, Villa see Kelleher as a goalkeeper with both potential and character, but are not anticipating an easy race to sign the 26-year-old after the season.

His promising performances in goal for Liverpool have drawn interest from clubs across the country, with competition expected to be ‘tough’ for his signature this summer.

Kelleher, praised as 'world-class', enjoyed regular minutes for Liverpool amid Alisson’s injury problems earlier this season but has mostly been reduced to a bench role since the start of December.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper has made 25 top-flight appearances for the Reds to date, as well as six starts in the Champions League, four of which came this season.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Kelleher has kept nine clean sheets in 20 appearances this term.

Villa are anticipating a busy start to the summer window, as they have yet to make decisions over Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio’s futures.

The West Midlands club hold an option to make Rashford’s arrival from Manchester United permanent for £40m and are in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over Asensio’s signing as well.