Celtic will soon need to focus on recruiting a new goalkeeper following the news that Joe Hart is retiring at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old has enjoyed an illustrious career that has seen him feature at the elite level; however, he is keen to finish on a high note at Parkhead.
Speaking about the decision to call time on his playing career, Hart disclosed that he held detailed discussions with Brendan Rodgers and Stevie Woods before making his choice.
He stated: “I just think it was really important that with the blessing of the club… I’ve had the conversations with the club Brendan and Stevie Woods that we get the message out, and it takes one thing off the table that people need to speculate over.”
Intriguingly, Rodgers has also confirmed that Benjamin Siegrist and Scott Bain could leave Parkhead in the summer, which may pave the way for an entirely new crop of goalkeepers to fight it out for the number one jersey [Sky Sports].
Initial speculation surrounding who may replace Hart has already come to light, with the likes of Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher and Trabzonspor stopper Ugurcan Cakir mentioned as potential candidates.
Undoubtedly, more options are bound to come to the fore as the season nears a close. Contrariwise, it remains to be seen who will be in charge of our transfer approach amid Mark Lawwell and Joe Dudgeon being placed on gardening leave.
Dean Jones discusses Caoimhin Kelleher to Celtic links
Republic of Ireland international Kelleher has been perpetually named as a prospective Celtic signing, though recent reports suggest that he may be out of our price range due to his ‘ever-rising’ transfer valuation.
To the contrary, journalist Dean Jones has indicated that the Bhoys will look to swoop for the 25-year-old this summer, citing Jurgen Klopp’s forthcoming exit as a factor that could sway him to leave Anfield.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m told that Kelleher will be open-minded about the decision-making process that comes at the end of this season.
“I think that when you’re playing as a No.2 right now, and it’s under Jurgen Klopp, you understand the process that is taking you to that moment. You’ve got a boss that completely trusts you in the biggest circumstances, so it is easy to stick around because you know that you’re still respected and wanted.
“With Klopp leaving, I feel like it makes it really tough for Kelleher to hang around as a back-up goalkeeper and know what that means for him. I also feel like it might be the moment to go on and actually make himself a No.1 somewhere else.
“I think Celtic seems like a good option. There are obviously the Irish links, and he wants to become the Republic of Ireland’s No.1, so it seems like something that could open up. It’s certainly something that Celtic are going to try.”
Caoimhin Kelleher would be a brilliant addition for Celtic
Without question, Kelleher would be an extremely ambitious target for Celtic to try and pursue; nevertheless, we should at least be asking about his potential availability.
This term, the Cork-born man has made 18 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool, keeping five clean sheets in the process [Transfermarkt].
Once Alisson is back from injury for the Reds, the likelihood is Kelleher will struggle to retain his place in Klopp’s side, and Parkhead could be the perfect environment to establish himself as a preferred choice between the sticks [Liverpool Echo].
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