Celtic transfer target Stefan Ortega set to join Europa League rivals for ‘£500k’

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Celtic’s goalkeeping situation wasn’t a priority in January, but it’s still a long-term issue that needs to be resolved.

Kasper Schmeichel’s form has picked up following Martin O’Neill’s second return, but Celtic still require a new long-term goalkeeper.

Interestingly, Manchester City shot-stopper Stefan Ortega was a Celtic target after he was demoted to third choice under Pep Guardiola this season, following the summer signings of Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford.

But Celtic fans can now chalk off Ortega’s name from their January and summer transfer wishlist because he is heading to Nottingham Forest.

• READ MORE: James McFadden says it’s ‘mental’ that Brendan Rodgers signing has now left Celtic in January

Should Celtic prioritise replacing Kasper Schmeichel in the transfer window?

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Celtic transfer target Stefan Ortega to join Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest are in the Europa League alongside Celtic, and just like the champions of Scotland, they booked a play-off ticket after a gruelling eight-game league phase.

Given the money Forest have to spend, and Celtic’s surge under O’Neill, there is every chance an all-British clash could unfold in the Europa League this season.

So, perhaps Ortega will visit Parkhead very soon, but in the colours of Forest, who have snapped him up for a bargain ‘£500k’, according to Ben Jacobs.

‘Understand the fee for Ortega could reach £500k,’ wrote Jacobs on social media.

Celtic need to act with Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo

Everyone is aware that the English Premier League is awash with money, and even the most bog-standard of footballers are worth millions and millions.

But even by Scottish financial standards, half a million for a man of Ortega’s quality and experience is a seriously top, top deal.

Celtic’s last two keepers have been very experienced – Joe Hart and now Schmeichel.

There is Viljami Sinisalo on Celtic’s bench, but if the club don’t view him as a number one keeper going forward, then action needs to be taken in the summer.