Brentford to swoop for Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher in bargain transfer to replace Man Utd target David Raya
BRENTFORD have their sights on Liverpool’s Irish keeper Caoimhin Kelleher as David Raya’s replacement.
Kelleher’s days at the Kop are numbered because he wants first-team football.
And the Bees are heading the queue for him.
Thomas Frank’s club fear Spaniard Raya will leave in the summer — although they have slapped a £35million price on his head as some Premier League giants, including Manchester United, begin to look at him.
Republic of Ireland international Kelleher is the keeper they want to take over if Raya does go.
Liverpool would help out Kelleher, 24, after years of patience as their No 2 choice.
The price would need to be about £10-12million for the Anfield reserve.
Kelleher also has interest from Brighton but they would have to sell Robert Sanchez to create a vacancy.
Meanwhile, Brentford are ready to battle Crystal Palace for Sunderland left-winger Jack Clarke.
The goals and assists by the former Leeds and Spurs wideman, 22, make him one of the top-rated Championship stars.
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Clarke has been tracked by Palace for some time but now Brentford are looking closely at a summer deal.
Sunderland will look for at least £10m for him if they fail to get promoted — and the two London clubs will be first in the queue.
Clarke is seen as ideal cover for Wilfried Zaha by Palace, while Brentford are in the market for even more variety in their attack.
And the ability of Clarke to run with the ball from deep suits both when they are playing on the counter.
Busy Palace will face a lot of competition to sign brilliant Blackburn youngster Adam Wharton, 18.
Arsenal and Leicester sent spies to watch midfielder Wharton last week.
And Newcastle’s veteran scout Mick Tait has also checked him out.