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CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs says that Mo Salah remains ‘fully committed’ to Liverpool, after reports linking him with an exit.

The Lowdown: PSG links

Salah has recently been linked with a move to French giants PSG this summer, amid doubts over the future of attacking trio Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Football Insider have also claimed that FSG could be willing to cash in on Salah, who could reap a vast transfer fee for them, and talks have taken place internally over a possible big-name sale.

The Latest: Salah ‘fully committed’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs says that Salah remains ‘fully committed’ to Liverpool and vice versa, and reports of his potential departure are just rumours at this moment in time:

“The links of a Mo Salah departure are basically just rumour at this point, and my understanding is that Salah remains fully committed to Liverpool and Liverpool remain fully committed to Salah.

“He hasn’t hit the same goalscoring feats of seasons gone by, but I think that’s also down to the fact that Salah at his most prolific had a lot of talent creating space and linking up with him.”

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The Verdict: Relief!

It will come as an almighty relief to Reds supporters that Salah and the club remain committed to each other.

The winger may not be having his best season in terms of numbers, with just nine goals in the Premier League before today’s encounter with Manchester United, but his record in terms of goals and assists outside of that is simply phenomenal (Transfermarkt).

The ‘Egyptian King’ as he is nicknamed by supporters in their beloved chant of him has helped win them both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, and create many memorable moments along the way.

Nonetheless, keeping Salah at the club is vital in terms of the Merseysiders kicking on next season.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is eyeing a move to sign Bayern Munich full-back Benjamin Pavard this summer, according to reports.

The Spaniard has reportedly identified the Frenchman as a concrete target in the current transfer window, as he looks to strengthen his right-back options in the coming weeks.

What's the latest on Benjamin Pavard to Manchester City?

Guardiola is keen to strengthen his side's right-back options this summer, and Pavard is a target for the Manchester City manager, according to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider.

The Bayern Munich man has been linked with a move away from the Bundesliga champions throughout the summer, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that he is top of Manchester City's list of right-back targets if Kyle Walker decides to go the other way in the current transfer window.

As things stand, Pavard's contract is set to expire next summer, potentially making a deal easier to negotiate for Guardiola and co.

As per O'Rourke, too, City are desperately trying to convince Walker to stay put ahead of the forthcoming Premier League campaign, amid interest from the Bundesliga champions.

Meanwhile, there's still questions over the future of the treble winners' other right-back option, Joao Cancelo, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich.

Should Manchester City sign Benjamin Pavard?

If Walker or Cancelo leave this summer, then Pavard would be an ideal option for those at The Etihad this season. Boosted by the fact that the Frenchman can play as a centre-back, too, Guardiola would certainly get the best out of the World Cup winner.

Thomas Tuchel was quick to praise the full-back after taking up the managerial role at the Bundesliga club last season, calling him "underrated" and saying, via Lequipe: “He can adapt to the highest level and he defends rigorously. He is a top team player, he immediately had my confidence and proved to me that I had been right.”

Statistically speaking, too, Pavard outperfomed both Cancelo and Walker in some areas last season. According to FBref, the Bayern man made more progressive passes, won more tackles, made more blocks, and made more interceptions per-90 when compared with the Manchester City full-back. The transfer target was also in the 98th percentile of expected assists, as per FBref, so would provide City with even more chance creation.

So, with that said, it certainly seems as though Guardiola would be upgrading his right-back options this summer if he secured the signature of Pavard.

The Premier League giants have already, of course, dipped into the Bundesliga this summer to complete the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig for a reported £77.6m. And, with time still remaining in the window, they could yet return to Germany's top flight.

Off the back of winning the treble last season, the pressure is on City to perform once more on the biggest stages. Already, they've continued their recent trend of losing the Community Shield, losing for the third consecutive year, and this time against Arsenal.

Guardiola's focus will now turn to his side's opening day clash against Vincent Kompany's newly-promoted Burnley side. It is then that City will hope to hit the ground running, with or without Pavard.

Celtic are set for a 'crucial' period of the transfer window as Brendan Rodgers looks to acquire new talent and retain key assets at Parkhead, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest news involving Celtic?

The Hoops have been active in the market as Rodgers looks to maintain dominance in Scotland alongside making strides in the Champions League and have brought in six arrivals in the form of Gustaf Lagerbielke, Odin Thiago Holm, Maik Nawrocki, Marco Tilio, Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Yang Hyun-jun, as per Transfermarkt.

Celtic have started the Scottish Premiership campaign in dominant fashion following their domestic clean sweep last term, defeating Ross County 4-2 and claiming a 3-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie in their opening two league matches, as per Sky Sports.

Retaining key assets will be an important part of Celtic's summer transfer business and the club have moved to open talks with Reo Hatate and Liel Abada over extending their deals at Parkhead, as per The Daily Record.

Club captain Callum McGregor, star striker Kyogo Furuhashi and Japan international Daizen Maeda have all penned extensions at the Celtic that will tie them to the club for the long-term future.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer guru Romano has stated that Celtic will place importance on keeping their best players at Parkhead alongside making further inroads to secure arrivals in the latter stages of the window.

Romano stated: “The next few days and weeks are going to be important for Celtic to keep their players at the club. This is crucial, and they know that after the Starfelt deal with Celta Vigo, it’s important for them to keep the players at the club, and then we will see the next moves at the end of the window.”

Who could Celtic sign and who could leave the club this summer?

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has taken to Twitter X to detail that Celtic are keen on Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Daniel Podence, stating the following: "Celtic are keen on Wolves winger Daniel Podence. He has one year left on his contract & wasn’t included in the squad last night. Wolves want around £12m, but it’s understood Celtic see room for negotiation, if they make an approach."

According to The Northern Echo, the Hoops are believed to be readying a 'formal approach' for Newcastle United outcast Ryan Fraser, who is out of the picture at St James' Park alongside Republic of Ireland international Jeff Hendrick and Isaac Hayden.

Fraser has been training with Newcastle United's second string and Celtic boss Rodgers has identified him as a 'viable target' to strengthen the wide areas.

Nantes full-back Quentin Merlin is also on the radar at Parkhead and has been scouted by Celtic on several occasions; however, it is said that the French youth international will cost in the region of £7 million, according to Mailplus.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier is reportedly a target for Celtic, though they will have to fend off competition from the likes of Crystal Palace, AS Monaco, Sporting Clube de Portugal and Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr, as per 90min.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, as Unai Emery prepares to bolster his squad this transfer window.

The Spaniard has had a strong start to the summer by acquiring the talents of Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby, however, there are expected to be more arrivals at Villa Park.

Who wants to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain?

As reported by Sky Sports yesterday, both Villa and Brentford are chasing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Anfield.

In their Transfer Centre, Sky Sports added that the midfielder has ‘already turned down’ lucrative offers from abroad with the desire to remain in England.

It was reported back in June by Football Insider that the Villans had been in ‘advanced talks’ for the 29-year-old, with a fresh update suggesting that the club remain in pursuit of the former England international.

What position could Oxlade-Chamberlain play at Aston Villa?

Having made 235 Premier League appearances, the midfielder has taken up a host of positions throughout his career, finding the most joy operating in central midfield.

Deployed primarily on the right flank while at Arsenal, the Portsmouth-born gem was renowned for his pace and strength in wide areas, however, struggled to consistently get among the goals.

Jurgen Klopp restored the faith in the Englishman by playing him in central midfield, where he immediately bettered his scoring tally in the league to all seasons prior in north London.

Despite nearing 30 years of age, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said in the club’s final matchday programme that the former Southampton man was in the “shape of his life”, and that his next club will have “won the lottery” in signing him.

For Villa, the time is now to bolster the squad currently on show at Villa Park, as the club prepares for their return to Europe for the first time since 2010.

Emery is building something encouraging in the Midlands, and the squad could still benefit from the signing of a player who boasts such strong experience in England as the Champions League winner.

Oxlade-Chamberlain could add a host of strengths to Emery’s side, most prominently in being available to replicate the service of club captain John McGinn, to whom he bears similarities.

Like the former Liverpool ace, the Scotsman has the versatility to play anywhere in the midfield, with both talents bringing energy and stability in the middle of the park in their approach to play.

Hailed as “superb” by BBC Sport writer Raj Chohan, the Englishman could add another source of reliability in midfield to that displayed by McGinn, as suggested by their numbers.

Likened to the Villa skipper for his statistics obtained in the 2019/20 Premier League season where he was a regular for the Reds, via FBref, the midfielder showcased strengths in progressive play mirrored by McGinn.

That term, the former Arsenal ace averaged 5.88 progressive passes and 2.91 progressive carries in comparison to the 28-year-old’s 4.68 progressive passes and 1.14 progressive carries per 90 last campaign.

The Englishman also showed strengths in his creative play, averaging 1.03 key passes per 90, highlighting another area in which he could benefit the side.

In signing the free agent, Emery could arm his side with a duplicate of McGinn, who is highly valued at Villa Park.

Liverpool have now been given a new update on their pursuit of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, with a report suggesting a deal could be there to be done late in the window…

Which midfielders are Liverpool signing?

Although he was not convinced by Ryan Gravenberch to begin with, Jurgen Klopp is now targeting the Bayern Munich midfielder as a priority, with 90min reporting the player himself would be interested in a move to the Premier League this summer.

Another target for the Reds is Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, with talkSPORT reporting he had been planning to fight for his place at the Etihad Stadium next season, but his resolve to stay could be tested if Klopp's side come forward with an offer.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Rudy Galetti has recently confirmed that OGC Nice's Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone also remain on the Merseyside club's list of targets, although other top European clubs are interested.

As such, despite missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Klopp still has a plethora of options to choose from this summer, with productive talks also being held over a deal for Crystal Palace's Cheick Doucoure, as per The Daily Mail.

Not only that, but Amrabat is also still a target for Liverpool, with reports from last week detailing the deal was progressing towards completion, and there has now been a new update on the midfielder's future.

According to the print version of Corriere Fiorentino on Monday (via Paisley Gates), the Moroccan has made it clear he wishes to move on and play for a new club this summer, with Fiorentina more than happy to let him leave.

The Serie A club are ready to sell the 27-year-old, having left him out of the first team on the opening day of the season, and it is now down to Liverpool to agree a suitable fee, with a deal potentially set to be left until late in the window.

Fiorentina have been holding out for €30m (£25.6m) for quite some time, which Liverpool are yet to get close to, but they may have to move swiftly if they are keen on signing the central midfielder, as they are set to face competition from rivals Manchester United.

Is Sofyan Amrabat a defensive midfielder?

Indeed, the Morocco star has predominantly featured in a defensive midfield role throughout his career so far, as a result of his stellar attributes, having been ranked fifth for interceptions at the 2022 World Cup, as of December 7th.

However, the maestro is also comfortable in possession, placing in the 94th percentile for his pass-completion rate per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, despite attempting a comparatively high number of passes.

At the World Cup, Amrabat wowed Moroccan journalist Amine El Amri, who described him as a "raging bull", but questions have to be raised over whether he is the best option available to Liverpool.

At 21 years of age, Gravenberch would be a more long-term option for Klopp in midfield, and with the manager now changing his mind about the Dutchman, he should remain the Reds' main priority as we approach the end of the transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min absolutely cannot wait for a "raw talent" at Spurs to make his debut, with the South Korea star heaping praise on Brennan Johnson.

Who did Spurs sign this summer?

Lilywhites boss Ange Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy brought in a host of new signings over the summer transfer window.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, centre-back Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon, striker Alejo Veliz and Johnson all put pen to paper on moves to N17 before September 1.

Seven new additions in total now arrive to bolster Postecoglou's options ahead of a long and challenging 2023/2024 season at Spurs.

The north Londoners have taken to the new Premier League campaign with real gusto so far; showcasing their new brand of attacking, all-out football under Postecoglou.

Spurs sealed impressive wins against Man United, Bournemouth and Burnley just prior to the international break; scoring nine goals in just three matches.

Tottenham's new manager has been lavished with praise since, and things may only get better as summer signing Johnson is still yet to make his debut in the forward areas.

Son, speaking in a recent press conference on international duty with South Korea, heralded the 22-year-old and explained exactly why he is buzzing to play alongside him.

The winger said that with Johnson's arrival, they will play "even better" football.

"I think that by coming to Spurs (Johnson) wants to improve and go to the next step," said the South Korea captain (via BBC).

"He will feel the pressure as well but I can't wait to have him in our team, playing even better football, better attacking, better fast football, but I think everyone has to take that responsibility.

"Everyone has to take a big responsibility because certainly we've lost 30 goals. Now everybody has to step up to make those 30 goals together which is very important."

How good is Brennan Johnson?

The Wales forward stood out among Forest's best players during their successful fight against relegation last term; scoring eight goals and assisting three others in 38 top flight matches (WhoScored).

International boss Rob Page, speaking to the media last summer, also claimed the sky is the limit for Johnson, whilst journalist Mitch Fretton has called him a "raw talent".

“Brennan could potentially have had a move in January,” Page said in 2022.

“But he decided to stay because he’s at a club where he was going to play and enjoy his football. That speaks volumes about him. He didn’t go chasing the money.

“He’s almost the finished article now and Forest have got a wonderful player on their hands. I’ve been to watch him a few times and he’s playing with freedom. He’s really enjoying his football.”

Todd Boehly is "prepared to sell" Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher despite the fact that Mauricio Pochettino wants to keep the player at Stamford Bridge next season, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is Gallagher leaving Chelsea?

Considering just how many players have left the Blues this summer, it has come as something of a surprise that Gallagher is still at Stamford Bridge.

While he did feature readily for Chelsea last season, making 35 Premier League appearances under three separate managers, the indefatigable midfielder struggled to make a significant impact in an underperforming side.

Given the ruthlessness of Chelsea's summer rebuild, allowing the likes of Mason Mount, N'Golo Kante and Kai Havertz to leave the club, there was an expectation that Gallagher would have been one of those moved on to help the Blues recoup some funds.

However, Pochettino's arrival has altered things significantly, and it is believed that the new Chelsea boss is eager to keep Gallagher at Stamford Bridge next season.

Chelsea's hierarchy have a different opinion, however, and they would be prepared to sell the midfielder this summer despite Pochettino's high opinion of the 23-year-old, according to journalist Jacobs.

Talking directly to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs stated: "Gallagher's perspective is that he's a Chelsea player and he wants to fight for his place. But Pochettino and the Chelsea board still need to get the squad size down.

"Whereas Pochettino quite likes Gallagher and he is not necessarily the first name out of the players that Chelsea need to resolve, I think the Chelsea board would have a slightly different perspective and would be prepared to sell Gallagher for the right price.

"There's a few moving parts here. There's a football decision to be made and Gallagher is quite happy to fight for his place after getting a lot of pre-season minutes. There's the Pochettino perspective and he has been very impressed by Gallagher. He said that during the American tour."

He added: "But if the right number is hit in terms of an offer, I think the Chelsea board would be prepared to sell him."

Chelsea recently rejected a £40m bid from West Ham United for the midfielder which suggests that perhaps Boehly is willing to support Pochettino's decision to keep Gallagher at the club for the 2023/24 campaign.

However, as Jacobs suggests, an improved West Ham bid may be too tempting to turn down, especially as Chelsea look to fund a move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

Gallagher's current contract runs until 2025 and the England international will be hopeful of reviving his Chelsea career under Pochettino's guidance.

How good is Gallagher?

Gallagher usually operates as a number eight for Chelsea, making it important that he can contribute effectively to both attacking and defensive phases of play.

Gallagher's attacking impact was not as eye-catching as his defensive work last season. He did score three goals and register one assist in the Premier League, a total that put him in the top 36% of midfielders in the competition.

When comparing Gallagher to other midfielders in the Premier League last campaign, it is clear that he is in the right positions to contribute to Chelsea's attack but lacks some of the composure necessary to score and assist more.

While averaging 1.55 shots per game, these shots come from an average distance of 17.9 yards from goal. These lower-reward efforts from the edge of the area perhaps demonstrate why his goal tally is not higher, highlighting the need for Gallagher to make more productive runs into the penalty area to find shooting angles – something he showcased his ability to do during his loan spell with Crystal Palace.

Defensively, however, Gallagher can be very productive. Per 90 last season in the Premier League he averaged 1.83 tackles won (top ten percent of midfielders), 2.28 blocks (top four percent) and 0.58 tackles in the attacking third (top three percent), the latter showing his capacity to instigate the press.

Depending on what responsibilities Pochettino offers Gallagher, the midfielder still has the potential to develop into a top box-to-box midfielder.

Sunderland kick off their 2023/24 Championship season in a week's time as they host Ipswich Town at the Stadium of Light next Sunday.

Who have Sunderland signed this summer?

The Black Cats faithful could see a host of fresh faces on the pitch for their side during the game as Tony Mowbray and Kristjaan Speakman have worked together to bring in six new signings so far.

Nectarios Triantis, Jobe Bellingham, Bradley Dack, Luis Hemir Semedo, Eliezer Mayenda, and Jenson Seelt have all arrived on permanent deals.

That does not appear to be the end of their business for the summer transfer window, though, as it was recently reported by the Daily Mail that the Black Cats are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Southampton central midfielder Will Smallbone.

The outlet named Luton Town, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Blackburn Rovers as some of the other teams eyeing up the Irish maestro, who has one year left to run on his current contract at St. Mary's.

How good is Will Smallbone?

A loan spell with Stoke City during the 2022/23 campaign proved that the 23-year-old technician is an excellent Championship performer who could be a fantastic addition to Sunderland's squad if they are able to snap him up.

Mowbray can land the dream replacement for Edouard Michut, who returned to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his time with the Black Cats last season, by winning the race to secure Smallbone's signature this summer ahead of top-flight competition.

Michut made 24 league appearances for the club last term and averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.64, which placed him 20th within the squad. This shows that the French midfielder struggled to deliver consistently impressive displays as he was not one of the team's top performers.

The 20-year-old gem did make 1.6 tackles per game, which only four of his teammates eclipsed, but he offered very little going forward with 0.2 key passes per game – less than 16 other players on the roster.

On the other hand, Smallbone showcased himself to be a tough-tackling creator who can be relied on to produce excellent performances on a consistent basis at this level.

He averaged a Sofacore rating of 7.00, which would have placed him joint-third with winger Jack Clarke in the Sunderland squad, and caught the eye in the defensive third with 1.7 tackles per match for the Potters.

The £6k-per-week magician also made a significant impact in possession as he created 1.6 chances per clash and racked up five assists for Alex Neil's team. Meanwhile, only Clarke (1.5) produced more key passes per game for Sunderland and only three players managed more than five assists.

These statistics suggest that Smallbone, who was once dubbed a "special" talent by journalist Josh Bunting, has the ability to be one of Mowbray's best players next season, if he can replicate his Stoke form or even improve on it.

The Saints wizard could be an outstanding creative threat from the middle of the park in a way that Michut was unable to be, whilst still being able to offer a defensive presence as a tough-tackling number eight who can win possession back for his side.

Leeds United need to act quickly if they are to enjoy the summer of transfer revolution that will propel them back into the top flight. Having focused on the defence, they could now turn their attention to the other end of the field…

Is Emmanuel Dennis leaving Nottingham Forest?

Of the various offensive targets that have emerged throughout the window, few stand out like Emmanuel Dennis, who ticks many boxes with regard to quality, availability and price tag, all of which would have piqued manager Daniel Farke's interest.

The Nigerian marksman has been linked on many occasions now, with the latest report emerging just last month. It is noted within that his exit has already been sanctioned by Nottingham Forest, who surely have to cull their bloated squad further after last summer's recruitment drive.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

He is valued at €10.7m (£9m) by FootballTransfers, despite still having three years left on his £40k-per-week deal at the City Ground.

How good is Emmanuel Dennis?

By securing such a coup from the Tricky Trees, Farke would be gaining a versatile forward capable of leading the line on his own, playing within a striker partnership, or even operating from out wide.

Wherever he is put though, one thing is certain: he will bring goals.

The 25-year-old titan only moved to England in 2021 and took no time acclimatising to life with Watford despite the troubles that surrounded the club. Even as they fell to the drop, Dennis posted ten goals and a further six assists, with his move to Nottingham expected to continue this trend.

However, for whatever reason, Steve Cooper only afforded the finisher six starts in the league last term.

It is this lack of faith that has handed the Whites an opportunity to prey on his expected frustration, bringing him to Elland Road with the promise that he will surely be their main man.

With experience of starring at the level above the Championship, they will hope he can not only fire them back into the top-flight but help them remain there for longer than their most recent stint.

After all, journalist Josh Bunting did outline just how prolific Dennis had been during that aforementioned campaign:

"Emmanuel Dennis has been one of the most underrated players outside of Watford fans this season, he’s been a very good addition. 4 goals and 5 assists in 11 Premier League games should be being spoken about much more. Today he was absolutely electric from the start to finish."

In securing a deal from Forest, the west Yorkshire outfit actually could replicate a success of the past, given Alf-Inge Haaland took that same path when he joined in 1997.

The Norwegian would go on to feature 87 times for the club, starring in one of their finest periods in recent history, despite the financial issues that rumbled on in the background. He was a fine utility man for George Graham and David O'Leary, even starring in their historic run to the Champions League semi-final in 2001.

His subsequent sale would also recoup the club a fine £2.5m fee, but it was not enough to save them from their subsequent debilitating drop through the divisions.

Should Dennis help them enjoy a period of success even half as enjoyable as the one which Haaland frequented, then this would be another deal from Forest certainly worth making.

The summer transfer window officially slammed shut last week but Celtic are reportedly already eyeing up a target for when the market reopens for business.

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

Brendan Rodgers was able to add nine new players to his first-team squad with Paulo Bernardo, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Luis Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Odin Thiago Holm, Marco Tilio, Hyeok-kyu Kwon, Hyun-jun Yang, and Nat Phillips all arriving.

According to The Scottish Sun, the Hoops boss is now eyeing up a swoop to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in a future transfer window.

The report claims that the Scottish giants checked on his availability this summer but the Premier League side were unwilling to sanction an exit at this juncture, however, it is said that a move further down the line is 'likely'.

It states that the Republic of Ireland international is also tempted by the prospect of being the long-term number one at Parkhead, which could help the Bhoys in their pursuit of his services.

How good is Caoimhin Kelleher?

The 6 foot 2 titan would come in as a dream heir to current Celtic shot-stopper Joe Hart as his form, in limited minutes, with Liverpool in recent years suggests that he could be a phenomenal signing for the club.

At the age of 24, Kelleher is 12 years younger than the former England international and would arrive with plenty of years left ahead of him to impress between the sticks as the long-term replacement for the ex-Manchester City star.

Unfortunately, he is currently behind Brazil number one Alisson at Anfield which has understandably led to a lack of minutes on the pitch at first-team level for Jurgen Klopp's side.

However, the Irish titan has caught the eye when he has been able to get on the teamsheet.

The talented youngster averaged an eye-catching Sofascore rating of 7.53 over three Premier League and League Cup appearances combined during the 2022/23 campaign, which included a 74% save success rate over two cup outings.

That came after his particularly impressive performances for Liverpool in the 2021/22 season as the 24-year-old giant averaged a Sofascore rating of 8.03 over four League Cup matches, in which time he saved an incredibly impressive 84% of the shots on his goal, to help his team to win the competition.

Hart, on the other hand, struggled at times last term for Celtic. The 36-year-old stopper averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.77 across 37 Scottish Premiership games and saved just 65% of the shots on target against him, showing that he stopped a lower percentage of strikes and delivered a worse average performance level than the Bhoys target.

He also made a worrying four mistakes that directly led to a shot for the other team during the top-flight campaign, with the veteran clearly prone to making errors with the ball at his feet. Whereas, Kelleher has not made a single blunder leading to a shot or goal for the opposition over the last two seasons and could be more reliable between the sticks.

Therefore, the Liverpool prospect, who was once hailed as "exceptional" by his national team boss Stephen Kenny, could be a dream heir to Hart as his performances for the Reds suggest that the potential is there for him to be an upgrade on the Englishman if he can deliver those performances week-in-week-out north of the border.