GOOD MOVE: Liverpool interested in Sunderland’s No. 1 goalkeeper – perfect Caoimhin Kelleher Replacement  with opening likely in summer

GOOD MOVE: Liverpool interested in Sunderland’s No. 1 goalkeeper – perfect Caoimhin Kelleher Replacement  with opening likely in summer

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson ahead of a potential reshuffle of their goalkeeping department this summer.

Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to attract interest after again impressing as Alisson‘s back-up this season and could be tempted by the lure of regular first-team football.

Meanwhile, the Reds’ third-choice shot-stopper, Adrian, is out of contract at the end of the campaign with an extension currently considered unlikely.

And This Is Anfield understands that Liverpool have watched Patterson closely as they prepare for a possible vacancy opening up in their goalkeeping options.

With the 23-year-old having signed a new five-year deal last September, Sunderland are in a strong position to fend off suitors.

Liverpool could face strong competition for Patterson’s signature, with their Premier League title rivals Arsenal interested, as well as Championship duo Leeds United and Leicester City.

Scottish champions Celtic have also watched the youngster regularly this season as they prepare for the departure of the retiring Joe Hart.

Patterson has clocked up over 100 appearances for Sunderland since making his first-team debut in the 2020/21 campaign, and has one cap for England under-21s.

His Sunderland side have quickly dropped out of Championship play-off contention this season as they sit 13th with 52 points, 15 off the pace with only five games remaining.

Liverpool look likely to need a new back-up goalkeeper for next season.

With Alisson Becker injured, the Reds had to rely on the excellence of Caoimhin Kelleher for much of 2023/24.

Luckily, Kelleher stood up to be counted in a big way. But with the Irishman publicly admitting that he now wants to be a No.1, he looks set to leave this summer.

The good news is that Alisson Becker isn’t going with him. Fabrizio Romano offered an update on Thursday which should put that transfer rumour to bed.

But with Kelleher on the way out, Liverpool need a new No.2. There have previously been claims that the Reds are already looking into various options, and more light has now been shed on one potential addition.

Liverpool make enquiry for Alex Paulsen

Back-up goalkeeper is possibly the hardest position to sign a player in. You need someone who is clearly good enough to step in, but not so much that they’re upset at spending most of the time on the bench.

Liverpool have been lucky in recent years, with Kelleher developing from the academy. The 25-year-old has been an absolutely perfect No.2 to Alisson.

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The man to fill his gloves is going to do well to be of a similar level. Nevertheless, Liverpool have to try.

In our opinion, there are two ways the Reds can go about this. They can go for another young ‘keeper who has the potential to replace Alisson in the future, or they get a serviceable, experienced player.

According to Sky Sports on Thursday, Liverpool have gone for option number one. They claim that the Reds have ‘enquired’ over the signing of Wellington Phoenix goalie Alex Paulsen.

Liverpool are reportedly not alone in their interest in Paulsen, though. Chelsea and Bournemouth are also said to be in the running, with the Cherries ‘leading the race’ for the 21-year-old.

Bournemouth are reportedly discussing an £850k deal with Phoenix, which could rise to £2m with add-ons.

Who is Alex Paulsen?

Upon hearing of interest in Paulsen, many Liverpool supporters will likely be asking, ‘who?’

As a player in the Australian A-League, the young stopper is certainly not a household name in the UK.

Nevertheless, he’s clearly a big talent. Sky report that Paulsen has just been named as Goalkeeper of the Year, Young Footballer of the Year, and Fan’s Player of the Year in Australia.

The New Zealander was also included in the A-League’s PFA Team of the Year.

Still uncapped at senior national team level, Paulsen is set to represent New Zealand at this summer’s Olympic Games.

It looks like Liverpool are lagging behind slightly in this one, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.