Celtic are closing in on signing top transfer target

It looks like Celtic are quickly closing in on making their second signing of the summer transfer window according to recent reports.

Earlier this month, Celtic were dealt a huge transfer blow when it became clear that Fraser Forster was not very keen on returning to Parkhead next season and instead wanted to fight for a starting berth at Southampton. As a result, the Hoops have been left scrambling for a replacement, after having initially thought that the Englishman would jump at the chance of being a part of 10IAR.

Thus, a variety of goalkeepers have been linked with a move to Parkhead over the past few weeks. There has been talk about the return of David Marshall, who came through the Celtic youth ranks but moved down South after failing to establish himself as a started. Greek international Vasilios Barkas has also emerged as a possible target. But out of all of them, Joe Hart has always looked like the one who the club were most keen on.

According to Football Insider, it does look like it is going to be Hart who ends up between the sticks at Parkhead next season:

"“A Celtic source has told Football Insider that manager Neil Lennon has had multiple conversations with Hart and discussions are progressing well.”"

Firstly, Hart is a free agent, so the club will not have to go out and spend a significant amount of money on him like they would have to do with Barkas. That is a huge factor in the post-pandemic market when the club will not have a lot of funds available to them and as a result will have to spend their budget intelligently.

Secondly, Hart has been to the very top and that experience has to count for something when the pressure will be high to deliver. Can Marshall, who has spent a significant portion of his career in the Championship, deal with the kind of pressure that comes with 10IAR on the line? Very possibly not.

Yes, he is not the player that was once arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. But it feels like he needs someone to show faith in his abilities and he can rediscover his form. 33 years of age is not old for a goalkeeper. You gotta feel there is still a lot of football left in Hart.