Celtic now know the most they will have to pay to land a reported goalkeeping target this summer. The Bhoys have a major need at the goalkeeper position after Kasper Schmeichel decided to retire this summer.
But the goalkeeper position is one of a number of needs, with Celtic severley short of strikers, while they have top players they likely need to replace, with Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda appearing to be on the exit ramp.
There has been no movement yet at Parkhead, and many of the players have already returned for pre-season. But the work goes on behind the scenes, and the goalkeeper position has to be seen as a priority.
Celtic liked with German stooper
Celtic have been linked with a couple of goalkeepers this summer, and one of the latest is Hertha Berlin goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, who is coming off an impressive season in 2.Bundesliga, playing a key role in establishing the third-best defence in the league.
Still only 23 years of age, Ernst is attracting attention from a couple of clubs around Europe, with Dutch giants Ajax also said to be keeping an eye.
Celtic are said to be in the mix, although they do have a couple of irons in the fire at this stage.
In a fresh update from BZ, we do at least know the most Ernst will cost, with a release clause worth 5million euros, or £4.3million emerging.
But it is worth keeping in mind that Ernst is now going into the final year of his contract, so there is likely room to force Hertha's price down if they cannot agree a new contract with their number one this summer. And it's worth adding that the German club are indeed working on agreeing a new contract, but interest from other clubs is always going to complicate those talks.
The Bhoys could move to get in the goalkeeper's ear this summer, but much will come down to which avenue they decide to go down with their goalkeeper search this summer.
Celtic turned to a cheap, older goalkeeper in Schmeichel, and that was a move that served them well. They could do that again, with former Levante and Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan being linked after reaching the end of his contract.
Such an option could save Celtic some cash in a summer that will likely see them spend significantly, but if they want a younger keeper who can stay in place for years to come, Ernst is likely to be a half-affordable option relative to his talent and potential.
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