Celtic are said to hold an advantage in a race to sign a new goalkeeper this summer. The Bhoys have a clear need for a new keeper after losing Kasper Schmeichel to retirement.
It looks as though Martin O'Neill will pursue a new number one this summer, rather than giving Vijami Sinisalo the opportunity after he covered for Schmeichel during injury last season. Celtic will likely invest significantly in the position this summer having previously relied on veterans who are at the end of their careers on shorter-term deals.
Celtic lead race to sign Dinko Horkas
According to a report from Spanish newspaper Las Provincias, Celtic have already made a bid worth £6million for Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas, who has been linked for much of the summer.
Premier League newcomers Hull City have also been linked, but there is no news of a bid from them at this point. The report adds that Horkas himself is waiting on Las Palmas to make a decision, and they are likely to accept a significant bid after missing out on promotion following a play-off defeat last season.
The question is whether they feel £6million is good enough value for their starting goalkeeper, who they have under contract until 2028.
The 27-year-old impressed last season, and he may be enticed by the chance to play Champions League football, but it's also true the Premier League has a certain allure, and Hull may be able to convince him of that particular move.
At this stage, though, it's claimed it is Celtic who have the advantage, and their interest is the most serious, especially with that bid reportedly being lodged.
The Bhoys know they will have to spend a significant chunk of change on landing a goalkeeper this summer, especially if they want to finally address the position on a long-term basis.
The veteran approach has served them well, but going year to year does mean lots of uncertainty, and it looks as though the club want to move away from that model.
Meanwhile, it's unclear whether Sinisalo will be happy returning to the back-up role having waited for his opportunity to be the number one. Although, at 24 years of age, the Finnish keeper does have time on his side.
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