Tjark Ernst has moved closer to an exit from Hertha BSC after being left out of their friendly against Lichtenberg.
The sought-after goalkeeper watched on from the stands as Hertha beat the fifth-tier side 9-0, despite manager Stefan Leitl saying that he would be involved.
The last-minute change of plan indicates that an exit could be imminent, with Celtic still in the race for Ernst.
He rejected Wolfsburg after days of talks last week, but Feyenoord now appear to be the frontrunners.
🚫 He has an unserved ban from last season…
Who comes in?
Celtic ‘still in contention’ with frontrunners Feyenoord for Tjark Ernst
Via the Berliner Kurier, Leitl had announced that he expected Ernst back in goal for the clash on Wednesday.
Celtic and the other clubs are reportedly ‘haggling’ over the price, despite his release clause being written in black and white as €5 million.
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Borussia Monchengladbach are also still in contention after finishing 12th in last year’s Bundesliga.
Celtic’s interest was first reported last month, with a vacancy created by the retirement of Kasper Schmeichel.
A big move is expected for Ernst after he put up some of the best shot-stopping numbers in the German second tier last season.
He made two appearances for the German U21 national team last season. Aged 23, he is in his second campaign as first choice in the German capital.
Stefan Ortega, also linked with Celtic, has reportedly rejected Hertha for now, theoretically making him an option in himself for the Hoops.
Nikolas Polster is also being linked with a move to Glasgow. A goalkeeper is a priority for Martin O’Neill this summer, as he has now confirmed.
Should Celtic take a £4m punt on Haissem Hassan?
Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Celtic are targeting a goalkeeper
Speaking to the media this week, O’Neill said: “We’re definitely looking for another goalkeeper.
“Whether it be a youngish fellow, same age as Sinisalo, or somebody a bit older, we’re definitely looking at it.
“Because we’ve only got Sinisalo here at this minute and we’ve got Ross [Doohan].”
Sinisalo deputised last season in the absence of Schmeichel, and it remains to be seen if he will continue to receive minutes this season
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