Caoimhin Kelleher hints at Liverpool exit ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili arrival

Caoimhin Kelleher has hinted he could leave Liverpool this summer in a bid for more regular playing time.

The Irishman reiterated his ambition to be a first-choice goalkeeper as the Reds prepare to welcome Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who signed for the club for £30m last summer but remained in Spain until the end of this season.

Speaking after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace – in which he was an unused substitute – on Sunday, Kelleher said: “I think I’ve said it before that I feel like I’m a No. 1, I think I’m good enough to play week-in week-out, and that’s what I’m looking to do.”

He continued: “This season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games but definitely something I’m looking at.”

Having deputised for Alisson Becker throughout the entirety of his first-team career, Kelleher made 20 appearances for Arne Slot’s side in all competitions this season due to the Brazilian’s injury issues, keeping nine clean sheets.

Four of those came in his 10 Premier League matches, while three were kept in his four Champions League outings.

He will have hoped to be in the club’s long-term plans between the sticks, especially with Alisson out of contract in two years’ time. But the imminent arrival of Georgian ‘keeper Mamardashvili – which Kelleher expressed frustration over last summer – has evidently muddied that picture.