Celtic have been strongly linked with a surprise move for former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart in recent weeks. The Premier League winner is now registered with Tottenham Hotspur, but has had very little game time and is no longer thought to be in the North London club’s plans. With a keeper of his standing becoming available, it makes sense for Celtic to swoop, particularly given the struggled form endured by Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain.
Photo: Andrew Milligan
At 34 years of age, Hart is in the twilight of his career. However, he has experience and talent to bring to Paradise and could sure up the Bhoys’ last line of defence.
Wages were always likely to be a stumbling block, but, according to Football Insider, they may no longer be an issue. Indeed, the sporting news outlet claim that a Celtic source has told them that they have been given encouragement in regard to the transfer.
Hart made 10 appearances as Hugo Lloris’ back up last term, but Spurs have signed former Aston Villa goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini on a loan-to-buy deal this summer and he is set to replace the Englishman as the number two choice stopper. Therefore, Hart is said to be keen to get game time elsewhere and is happy to take a wage cut in order to play for Celtic.
How true that claim is will be discovered before the end of the transfer window, but it certainly provides hope for those seeking a goalkeeping alternative at Celtic Park.
