ASTON VILLA have joined the hunt for Caoimhin Kelleher – as major eye Emi Martinez.
‘s £30million-rated back-up keeper has also been linked with and .
‘s interest comes as appeared to bid a tearful farewell to home fans after .
The Argentinian’s future is uncertain, although it’s understood , and teams are amongst clubs monitoring his situation.
It means finding a new No1 is a summer priority for Villa boss .
Sources close to the Midlands club say Ireland star Kelleher is being tracked.
The 26-year-old is itching for regular first-team football after failing to dislodge Brazilian ace at Anfield.
Villa are reportedly also monitoring Espanyol’s , who is also said to have been on and Man Utd’s ‘s radar over the last year.
The Spaniard, 24, is sure to be in demand.
And Villa know that such fierce competition for Garcia would likely lead to a long fight for his signature.
So it’s claimed club chiefs are focusing their sights more keenly on Kelleher.
He’s proved himself more than capable when as Alisson’s deputy, having kept eight clean sheets in his 25 Premier League appearances for the newly-crowned champions.
Kelleher is also believed to prefer staying in the Prem to moving overseas.
And Villa look an attractive option, especially if they could once more qualify for the .
Georgia stopper is arriving at Liverpool over the summer.
So Kelleher might drop down to third-choice, should he stay with‘s men.
Slot is thought to have told club officials he expects Kelleher to depart.
