Report: SPL rival keen to sign £2.4k-a/w Celtic gem, he’s open to leaving

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Dundee are keen to sign Celtic goalkeeper Conor Hazard on loan ahead of their Premiership return, per the Daily Record.

The Dees sealed their top-flight return in May with victory over Kilmarnock in the play-offs. James McPake now hopes to strengthen the ranks at Dens Park with a return for Hazard.

Celtic product Hazard spent the 2019/20 term on loan with Dundee and enjoyed a solid run of minutes. But chances to feature were thin and far between under Neil Lennon upon his return to Parkhead.

Hazard made five Premiership and one Europa League outing under Lennon last season. The 23-year-old then fell out of the side after Celtic parted with the Northern Irishman, and may find himself on the bench with Ange Postecoglou at the helm.

Postecoglou will likely target his own number one, with Brighton’s Mat Ryan a top target. Vasilis Barkas failed to hold down the role last season and shared honours with Hazard and Scott Bain. But neither proved themselves as worthy of the position full-time going forward.

Celtic are aware of Dundee’s desires to sign Hazard and are considering their interest. The £2,400-per-week shot-stopper is at a stage of his career where he must play regularly. But a return to Dens Park would see the Northern Ireland ace compete with Adam Legzdins.

Hazard open to Celtic exit before Dundee interest

Dundee could emerge as a strong potential destination for Hazard, should Celtic give the goalkeeper permission to leave on loan. The Hoops product will know what it is like at the club from his previous visit, and that connection could help the Dees seal a deal.

Hazard has already admitted this summer that he is open to leaving Celtic if he is not the first-choice, as well. Dundee are likely playing on that in the hope of strengthening McPake’s goalkeeper options to help avoid relegation next season.

“My main focus is I have to get game time. That has to be one of the non-negotiables now if I’m going to take the next step in my career,” Hazard said, via the Daily Record.

“With Celtic, the main aim is to be number one and I’ll go back and do everything I can to nail that down. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll look at the options.”