Michael Edwards has already signed Liverpool's perfect replacement should £30m sale be sanctioned

It seems like it could be the right time. Not that Liverpool will particularly be keen to conduct such business - but may reluctantly do so.

The Reds will be all too way that Caoimhin Kelleher is keen to become a No.1 goalkeeper in his own right. After spending the past few years as deputy, he has earned his spurs. And along the way, Kelleher has helped Liverpool win two Carabao Cups.

Jurgen Klopp lauded the Republic of Ireland international as the best No.2 in the world. It is a statement that not too many would argue against. Kelleher has displayed his qualities each time he has represented Liverpool. He showed he can mix it at the very top during his stint filling in for the hamstrung Alisson Becker last season. A second clean sheet at Wembley was kept - and he also helped Liverpool earn a 1-1 draw against Manchester City.

Yet his best-ever season will have only given him even more desire to be a first choice. Kelleher was persuaded to stay at Anfield last summer by Klopp but after making 26 appearances throughout 2023-24, he will want more. His appetite will not be satisfied.

With Alisson in his pathway at Anfield, Kelleher is pragmatic enough to know that a departure may be required. “It would be great if that happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly,” he told the Athletic. “I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years.

“I wouldn’t say I was pushing (to leave) last summer but saying: ‘Look, I need to kick on for my career’. Jurgen said, ‘If anything happens to Ali, we really need you to be there’. It worked out for the best this season because I played 26 games.

“There will be some discussions over the coming weeks. The club was busy with the manager leaving and appointing a new one. With all the new staff arriving, those talks will happen.”

A price tag of £30 million has reportedly been slapped on Kelleher if there are clubs who want him. But it would mean that Liverpool have to recruit a new goalkeeper for the first time since 2019, with third-choice Adrian still to commit his future.

Yet Liverpool may already have the perfect replacement for Kelleher in their ranks who has had a similar trajectory. Kelleher signed for Liverpool aged 16 and was developed through the academy.

Vitezslav Jaros was too recruited at the same age. He arrived from Slavia Prague in 2017 and was placed in the youth ranks later. Two years later, Jaros was part of the team that included Neco Williams, Rhys Williams, Leighton Clarkson and Bobby Duncan that won the FA Youth Cup. From that side that beat Manchester City in the final on penalties, only Jaros and Rhys Williams remain.

To help with his progress, the ex-FK Příbram ace was loaned to League of Ireland side St Patrick's Athletic before having spells with Notts County and Stockport County. He then took a significant step up when joining Austrian outfit Sturm Graz in January - and he thrived. Jaros immediately became No.1, playing in 21 matches and helped Sturm claim the double - ending Red Bull Salzburg’s 10-year stranglehold on the Austrian Bundesliga.

As a reward, Jaros has been included in the Czech Republic’s squad for the European Championships and made his senior debut in a 7-1 win over Malta.

Jaros will arrive back on Merseyside in the summer with significantly more experience under his belt as he aims to impress new boss Arne Slot. Aged 22, he may feel he’s now ready to step up at Liverpool. And importantly, he would help towards the homegrown rule. Despite being recruited from Slavia Prague, Jaros spent three years at an FA-affiliated club - similar to Kelleher.

It was during Michael Edwards’ reign as sporting director that Jaros was brought to Anfield. Seven years later, with Edwards back serving as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football, the decision could now come to bear fruit.