Gary Gillespie says Celtic transfer target Caoimhin Kelleher may not be sold by Liverpool even if they receive a bid of £15m.

The Republic of Ireland international has been widely tipped as Joe Hart’s replacement in goal but, speaking to the Glasgow Times, Gillespie warned the Hoops that there will be a “few” Premier League teams looking to sign the goalkeeper as well:

“He won’t be on a pittance, even as a number two goalkeeper at Liverpool, and he will be able to command a really good salary. Liverpool, I am sure, will not want to lose him, so that will be why they are putting such a price on his head. I don’t think he will come cheap. I would be surprised if they can get him even for £15m.”

“From what I’ve seen of him, he could be a number one at more than a few clubs in the English Premier League, and given how much of a global business football is now I am sure there will also be clubs from abroad looking at him.”

“If you’ve got the talent that he has and you are coming from a big club like Liverpool as well, then you can almost go anywhere in the world. So, he will have choices to make, and I’m sure him, his agent and his family will thrash it all out.”

Celtic could be priced out of a move for Kelleher

On the face of it, the Irishman looks like the perfect fit for Celtic. He is the right age (25), and he is excellent with the ball at his feet, which means he would suit Brendan Rodgers’s style of play.

However, as Gillespie says, Liverpool are unlikely to sell Kelleher for a figure that is within the Hoops’ price range. The Scottish champions may have to break their transfer record to get him.

Could Kelleher be signed on loan?

There is a possibility that Liverpool decide against selling the keeper next summer. That may happen if they don’t receive an offer that meets their valuation.

With Kelleher said to be keen on getting more game time, Celtic could try tabling a loan bid, although such a proposal may only be acceptable closer to the end of the next transfer window.