'Chelsea willing to pay Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher asking price'
Chelsea are willing to match Liverpool's demands over the signing of Caoimhin Kelleher as he has emerged as a top target ahead of the summer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Blues will aim to strengthen their defensive unit when the window opens.
Kelleher, meanwhile, is thought to be keen on the opportunity to establish himself as the number-one goalkeeper at a top Premier League club.
That price tag is said to be appealing to Chelsea, who would be prepared to match those demands as they believe it would represent good value for money.
By comparison, the Blues forked out £25million on the now out-of-favour Robert Sanchez, whose performances saw him drop to the bench against West Ham and Brighton.
They also spent £20million on backup option Filip Jorgensen and a further £16.5million on 19-year-old Mike Penders during last summer's transfer window.
Chelsea prepare £40million bid to sign Caoimhin Kelleher
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has echoed those claims while insisting a £40milllion fee would be achievable.
"For that price, I'd be more surprised if they didn't make a move," he told Football Insider.
"I think he's a good goalkeeper.
"He'll be looking at the situation he's in at Liverpool and his chances of becoming the number-one goalkeeper there, with the other options they've got.
"So if that pathway is blocked, I can see why he'd want to move.
"I can also see why Chelsea are interested in him.
"They want to sign a new goalkeeper to help strengthen defensively.
"If Kelleher is available for £30-40million, I think they'll be all over that looking to get it done.
"Not only is he a good option now, as he proved, but I think he can get better too."
Enzo Maresca under pressure at Stamford Bridge
Not only are a number of key positions at Chelsea in need of improvement, but there is a growing belief at Stamford Bridge that Enzo Maresca could soon be sacked.
The Blues have won just three of their last 11 games across all competitions and have slipped to sixth in the Premier League, just six points above tenth-placed Brighton.
Supporters have also begun to turn on the manager as a result of their recent displays, and that pressure could force the owners into a big decision.
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