Celtic could 'hijack' Newcastle's Mamardashvili deal - expert

Celtic could "hijack" Newcastle United’s planned transfer for Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer.

That’s the opinion of former England, Tottenham and Leeds keeper Paul Robinson, who was speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.

The  23-year-old has impressed so far at the Euros, playing a pivotal role in Georgia’s success in the tournament.

After keeping 13 clean sheets in LaLiga last season for Valencia, the shot-stopper has begun attracting attention from some of the biggest teams in Europe, including Newcastle.

Celtic need a goalkeeper following the retirement of Joe Hart, and fans have not reacted positively to reports that the Hoops are interested in signing Martin Dubravka, which could lead the club to search for other options.

Celtic could benefit long-term from signing Mamardashvili

Newcastle have been linked with Mamardashvili, but Robinson believes the Hoops could ambush their deal for him.

“He played for Valencia last season, and for me, he was probably La Liga’s goalkeeper of the tournament,” he told Football Insider.

“The way he’s played in this tournament for Georgia, I think there’ll be a lot of teams around Europe standing up and taking notice.

“If there was any type of opportunity, if Celtic were going to push the boat out and go big, I mean, this kid’s really good, really good.”

“He’s still only 23 years old, six foot six, dominates his box, makes some great saves; that type of signing would be a real statement signing.

“Dubravka would be a good option, but again, it’s only short term; they’re going to be in this situation again at the end of next season or the season after. I can see Celtic hijacking the deal.”

In other news, Celtic could let a striker leave this summer.

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