Ireland legend Shay Given expects Brentford to end up losing fellow goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to a tempting offer.
Corkman left Liverpool at the start of last season after flourishing as the Premier League’s top defender under compatriot Keith Andrews.
Given, who made 134 caps during his Ireland career, including World Cup and Euro final appearances, was not the only one watching his successor with admiration.
Inevitably, he believes a higher calling will eventually prompt a move, but only until both player and club feel the time is right to get down to business.
A return to his first professional club on Merseyside is out of the question, according to the former Manchester City and Newcastle United goalkeeper.
“Brentford absolutely benefited last year by paying £12.5m (€15m) upfront for Caoimhin when you see James Trafford recently moved to Leeds United for £40m (€45.6m).
“We know the Brentford model. They buy players and sell them for quite a profit and I’m sure Caoimhin is in that category too.”
“Keith would like to keep him for a few years and Caoimhín will probably want to stay for a few years to play regularly and show everyone how good he is.
“I know the Brentford fans will attack me but I’m sure he will take the opportunity to move on again.
“Liverpool may have the first option because Alisson is improving a bit, but I think if he has another really good season, clubs will be looking at him.”
Recent changes to the first team goalkeepers at Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa highlight the depth of turnover in that department.
“Playing in the Premier League every week, you’re a shop window because it’s the top level and everyone is watching,” Given explained at a Premier Sports event this week.
“It’s up to Caoimhin, but he looks like he’s gotten a little more fit and a little stronger.
“I’ve been to Brentford a few times and their staff do a lot of things with him in the gym – weight training and things like that.
“Being number one comes with different pressures every week and he’s used to it.
“Knowing how Brentford work, they probably already have a replacement for Caoimhin because they probably think clubs are snooping around.
“They’ve done a phenomenal business over the last 10 years. Just look at Mamadou Sangare.
“Everyone is wondering how the hell they missed him, he was in the French Ligue 1 team of the season. But like Caoimhin at the start of last season, they moved faster than the other clubs.”
Given, meanwhile, does not expect fellow Donegal native Seamus Coleman to be included in Ireland’s squad for the upcoming quadruple UEFA Nations League cap.
The former Republic of Ireland captain, 37, has still not played for the club since his long spell at Everton ended in May.
“I would be surprised if he was involved,” he said. “I don’t think that means he’s finished with Ireland.
“We know what kind of player he is. Even playing for Ireland and not Everton, his fitness level hasn’t dropped, so I hope he gets on with his new club.”