- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Celtic’s preference this summer was to sign Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher before settling on a move for Kasper Schmeichel.
The Glasgow giants are closing in on a deal with former Leicester shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel.
The Dane is available on a free transfer after leaving Belgian side Anderlecht at the end of last season.
Celtic were forced to dip into the transfer market to sign a goalkeeper after being left short in that department because of Joe Hart’s retirement.
HITC understands that Celtic have also got a £1million deal in place for Aston Villa keeper Viljami Sinisalo, who is set to become the club’s second-choice.
Schmeichel is set to replace Hart as the first-choice goalkeeper at Parkhead and it is understood that the 37-year-old has been offered a one-year contract with an option for an additional year.
READ MORE: Contract details revealed as Kasper Schmeichel inches closer to Celtic move
However, Schmeichel was not Celtic’s top-choice goalkeeper target this summer.
Celtic wanted Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of Kasper Schmeichel
HITC understands that Celtic’s preference was to sign Caoimhin Kelleher this summer but the deal was complicated by Liverpool‘s stance.
The Reds are not in a position to let Kelleher leave without sourcing a back-up option or a replacement.
In contrast, Celtic needed a new goalkeeper urgently after Hart’s retirement announcement, so the Scottish club moved on to Schmeichel.
Sources have told HITC that a future move for the Liverpool shot-stopper has not been ruled out.
Kelleher is admired at Anfield, especially by former manager Jurgen Klopp who described him as an “outstanding” player.
Celtic need a long-term goalkeeper option
Schmeichel’s signing is a good one – he demanded no big fee and will bring plenty of leadership and experience to Celtic Park.
However, he is in the twilight years of his career and it will not be long until he follows Hart into retirement.
READ MORE: Paulo Bernardo wants Celtic move this summer as Benfica’s asking price is revealed
Sinisalo is a good young option for a number-two at Celtic but he has hardly proven that he can step up to replace Schmeichel.
A new long-term goalkeeper is still needed at Celtic and a return for Kelleher’s signature should not be ruled out.
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