Celtic set sights on modern signing who’s ‘brilliant with his feet’ – sources
Celtic are looking to sign a modern goalkeeper capable of playing out from the back in the upcoming summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Veteran shot-stopper Joe Hart is set to retire at the end of May and the Hoops are planning to replace him in the off-season, rather than promoting from within.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (29 April) that Brendan Rodgers’ side will reject the chance to sign 36-year-old Asmir Begovic on a free transfer this summer.
It is believed Celtic want a long-term keeper capable of committing to the club for a long contract, rather than another short-term fix.
A well-placed source has also told Football Insider that the Glasgow giants want a “modern” shot-stopper, who is brilliant with the ball at his feet.
Rodgers has again brought a possession style to Parkhead, with his side recording the highest possession stats and most passes in the Scottish Premiership this term.
Rodgers wants ‘modern’ goalkeeper to replace Hart at Celtic
Hart has performed brilliantly between the sticks for Celtic following the ex-Leicester manager’s return and has proved adept with the ball at his feet.
According to FotMob, he has recorded the best pass accuracy of any Scottish Premiership goalkeeper this season (86.7%), played the fewest long balls per game (2.48 per 90) and is yet to make an error leading to a goal in the Scottish top-flight.
Meanwhile, Begovic ranks towards the bottom of Championship shot-stoppers in each of those metrics after a tough season with Queens Park Rangers.
Another option for Celtic is on-loan Bayer Leverkusen star Patrick Pentz, with Football Insider revealing (23 April) that Southampton and PSV Eindhoven could race the Hoops for the Austrian goalkeeper.
Rodgers’ side are three points clear in the title race with four league games left to play.
In other news, Celtic work on signing full-back after agreeing exit.
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