Celtic have opened talks with Tottenham Hotspur over the signing of goalkeeper Joe Hart, according to Fabrizio Romano. A deal to bring Hart to Celtic Park would give the former England goalkeeper another chance of being a number one goalkeeper at club level.
The recently-deposed Scottish champions are also reportedly working on a deal to bring in a new right-back. Royal Antwerp’s Aurélio Buta is thought to be the club’s main target in that area.
Celtic Open Talks With Tottenham Over Joe Hart
Deal Could Act as a Lifeline for Spurs Goalkeeper
Celtic’s interest in signing Hart is understandable. The former Manchester City shot-stopper has undoubted pedigree in the game, and is a two-time Premier League champion. At international level, Hart has won an impressive 75 caps for England.
By contrast, Celtic have looked hugely shaky in their goalkeeping department in recent years. Greek international Vasilis Barkas was brought to the club last summer but has failed to impress, and was at fault for Danish side Midtjylland’s crucial equaliser in last week’s Champions League qualifying second round.
Signing Hart, however, would not represent a risk-free option for new Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou. The Spurs goalkeeper has seen precious little game time since leaving Italian side Torino after an underwhelming loan spell in 2017 before becoming accustomed to time on the substitutes’ bench at West Ham United and Burnley. Then moving to north London to act as understudy to France’s Hugo Lloris, Hart was once again resigned to little game time.
Nevertheless, Celtic’s need for a new goalkeeper is becoming increasingly desperate. If Hart were to rediscover his best form in the Scottish Premiership, it would represent a masterstroke by Hoops boss Postecoglou.
Celtic Also Looking for New Right-Back
In addition to the goalkeeping department, Celtic are also in the market for a new right-back. Portuguese defender Aurélio Buta appears to have been identified as the club’s number one target in this position, having established himself on the international scene after winning five caps for his country.
The 24-year-old is currently in action for Royal Antwerp in the Juliper Pro League, which is back underway for the 2021/22 season.
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