Celtic are among the clubs interested in Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles, according to a new report. He is set to leave Hillsborough in the summer after his side suffered relegation.
Entering the last 12 months of his contract, Charles feels it is time to move on. He has 35 senior appearances to his name, despite suffering a series of injuries, and he has already earned 10 caps for Northern Ireland at just 20 years old.
He is widely considered one of the most promising goalkeepers in the country, and Celtic are desperate to get their hands on him.
The Hoops are looking to replace Kasper Schmeichel, who suffered a career-ending injury while on international duty last year. He played through it for most of the season but recently called it quits, with Viljami Sinisalo taking over the No. 1 spot.
The Hoops have been in the market for a goalkeeper, with Australia national team captain Maty Ryan also on the radar of the club. However, they make look for younger options with a lot of promise this time around.
However, it isn't just the Parkhead side who are interested. He has attracted a lot of suitors, and rivals Rangers are also keen on his signature. He previously worked with manager Danny Rohl while he was in charge of the Owls, so that could play a part in where he decides to go.
English sides Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff have also identified him as a transfer target, with Premier League sides also keeping their eye on him.
Celtic will face competition, but they're fighting for targets
Celtic will face competition for whoever they choose to go after, but they seem to be standing strong in their desire for a new goalkeeper. Although Sinisalo has impressed since taking over, and is clearly delighted with the game time he has been getting, it seems like the club doesn't see him as a viable long-term option yet.
That could potentially lead to his departure, as it'll be hard for him to go back to playing second fiddle after taking the gloves for a portion of the season. You wouldn't blame him if he wanted to leave to play elsewhere, and he is class, so the club need to play their cards right.
Whatever happens, it seems that there will be more goalkeepers at the club next season than just Sinisalo and Ross Doohan. Schmeichel's contract is set to expire, and they'll need to get a replacement, but whether it'll be someone to compete with Sinisalo or immediately take over is yet to be seen.
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