Liverpool star 'expected' to discuss his future with Slot while Everton are 'well-placed' to be beaten for key target
A roundup of some of the latest Premier League transfer stories.
The last international break of the year is underway and the Premier League has taken a brief pause as we enter the final weeks of 2024. With the January transfer window just around the corner, we’ve taken a look at some of the latest Premier League transfer rumours.
Liverpool icon ‘expected to sit down with Slot’
Liverpool’s goalkeeper situation is an envious one for other clubs as they will soon have three top shot-stoppers on their roster. When Giorgi Mamardashvili arrives at Anfield next year, it will provide both the club and Caoimhin Kelleher with a big decision to make.
Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that Kelleher is ‘expected to sit down’ with Arne Slot and discuss what his future holds at Anfield. The 25-year-old has stepped up massively in the absence of Alisson again but when the Brazilian returns, he will resume his role as first choice between the sticks.
“I don’t think he’s happy being the backup, and especially not if the new arrival is ahead of him. If that’s going to be the case, I fully expect him to move on and become the first-choice somewhere else,” Brown said. “He’s definitely got the ability to do that and he continues to prove himself at this level. So it’s a decision Liverpool will have to make in terms of who they prioritise.
“From what I’ve heard, I expect he’ll sit down with Slot at some stage to discuss what his role is going to be, and then that’ll influence whether he stays or leaves. If they can’t offer him assurances, it wouldn’t surprise me if wants to leave and could push for Liverpool to let him go.”
The 3AM Verdict: Kelleher has been lauded as one of, if not the best No.2 goalkeeper in the world by many. Having him to fall back on in the absence of Alisson has been a blessing for Liverpool but a time must come where he thinks about his career aspirations and pursues the opportunity of more regular football. Based on his performances at the very top level, Kelleher will not be short of options next year but he will be a huge miss for the Reds.
Everton ‘well-placed’ to be beaten for right-back
Everton have been linked with Brighton and Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey but another update from Football Insider has reported that they are ‘well-placed’ to be beaten in the race. Premier League rivals West Ham are also ‘closely monitoring’ the defender and have been backed to win the race to his signature.
The 24-year-old has struggled for regular playing time this season, making just four appearances across all competitions so far. Lamptey is able to enter pre-contract negotiations in January but Brighton may want to earn some money for him, so they could push for a January move.
The 3AM Verdict: West Ham are keeping a close eye on the situation but Everton would reportedly prefer to sign Lamptey on a free transfer. This could dump them out of the race for a player who would be very valuable to their team. The Toffees have such one natural right-back on their roster in Seamus Coleman, who in 36 and also out of contract in 2025. Everton should look to rival the Hammers where they can, as it’s unlikely Brighton will demand a significant fee just five months before Lamptey’s deal expires.