Caoimhín Kelleher ‘could leave Liverpool in January' as Anfield greats admit his future lies away from Anfield

Kelleher spoke openly about his desire to walk away from Liverpool during the recent international break, with the clubs decision to sign established keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili for next season confirming Kelleher's hopes of become Alisson Becker's long-term successor at Anfield appear to be forlorn.

"I've made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a number one and play week in, week out," said Kelleher.

"The club's made that decision to get another goalkeeper and from the outside looking in, it looks like they've made a decision to go in a different direction."

Now Liverpool legends John Aldridge and John Barnes have suggested Kelleher's time at Liverpool is coming to an end, but a move in January's transfer window may be tough to force through.

"From a selfish perspective, I wanted Kelleher to stay at Liverpool," began former Ireland striker Aldridge.

"Then you look at it from his perspective and I can see why he wants to leave.

"He is good enough to play at most Premier League clubs. There's no doubt he is the best No.2 keeper in the league and at his age, he probably needs to move on.

"You see Liverpool signing Mamardashvili and that sends a signal to Kelleher. He will arrive next summer and at that point, we don't know what might happen.

"Whether Kelleher can leave in January, that's a different story. Liverpool need a quality back up for Allison if they are to challenge for trophies and they won't want to lose him yet."

Barnes has joined Aldridge in suggesting Kelleher needs to leave Liverpool, with the timing of his exit the only question remaining.

"Giorgi Mamardashvili was one of the best goalkeepers at the European Championships," said Barnes,

"He isn't joining until next year, and there are parts of his game that he'll be working on while he's playing for Valencia this season.

"Kelleher will feel like he is good enough to be the man to take Ali's gloves when he departs. Perhaps that's why he said what he said - it felt like a knee-jerk reaction. Kelleher will know there is a limited amount of games that he is likely to play with Ali in the squad.

"Perhaps he will look at a move in January, but I can't see a scenario where Liverpool allow that to happen. I think he stays, and I think he fights it out."