Celtic have summer transfer activity in their sights and will be scouring the market to scope out viable deals over the coming weeks.
Brendan Rodgers confirmed last weekend that pursuing a deal for Adam Idah has become a priority, indicating to club chiefs his desire to acquire the Republic of Ireland international permanently.
Further evaluation is also said to be taking place regarding Paulo Bernardo’s future at Parkhead. Following his productive loan spell, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions are contemplating a £6.3 million move.
Of course, Celtic are also now on the hunt for a new goalkeeper after Joe Hart’s retirement finally became official last weekend after he played his part in the Bhoys defeating Rangers to win the Scottish Cup.
Several targets have been linked to replace the former England international, who leaves in a blaze of glory due to claiming a domestic double at Parkhead.
Now, the manager of one reported name in the frame has addressed the future of his goalkeeper, per recent developments.
Russell Martin on Alex McCarthy amid links with Celtic
Earlier this month, reports indicated that Celtic were keen on Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy as a potential Hart replacement, with Liverpool and Newcastle United also keen to land his services. The 34-year-old’s contract is set to expire this summer.
Last weekend, he kept a clean sheet as the Saints were promoted to the Premier League at the expense of Leeds United at Wembley Stadium in the Championship play-off final.
Cited via the Southern Daily Echo, Southampton manager Russell Martin has now addressed his future amid uncertainty over his situation, confirming he would like to keep the experienced figure around on the South Coast alongside out-of-contract pair Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong.
He stated: “Yeah, we’ll try and keep all three. I think that’s been the plan the whole time. Whether or not we can, I don’t know. I know that there will be offers for all of them and probably offers that will pay them more than we can.
“Hopefully, the feeling they have and all that stuff will outweigh financial gain, but maybe there’ll be other things about it too.
Martin later added on McCarthy specifically: “Big Al, I guess I’m a bit of an idiot for not playing a bit sooner, but I think we have such a brilliant goalkeeping department here with Gavin and Joe as well.
“I’m so pleased for Al that it finished in this way. As I said, maybe it was meant to happen that he came into the team at some point. He’s been immense since he came in so we’ll try and keep Al as well and we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
Alex McCarthy is a competent option for Celtic to consider
Despite being second fiddle to Gavin Bazunu for much of the campaign, McCarthy played an admirable part as a stand-in for Southampton this term, keeping three clean sheets in nine appearances [Transfermarkt].
Celtic will ideally be seeking a goalkeeper with a younger profile to replace Hart; however, sometimes, there is no substitute for experience, which is something he could bring to the fold at Parkhead.
Truthfully, it is impossible to tell who will come in between the sticks for the Bhoys. Either way, McCarthy is a competent option worth consideration.
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