Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will already have a list of players on his radar to replace Joe Hart as his retirement date draws closer.
Former England international Hart has been an influential figure between the sticks at Parkhead, imparting his leadership and experience to his teammates alongside claiming five trophies along the way.
In total, the 36-year-old has made 140 appearances for Celtic, keeping 60 clean sheets and conceding 136 goals across all competitions [Transfermarkt].
Now, we are in the market for someone to replace the ex-Manchester City icon, and there have already been several individuals thrown into the mix, including Werder Bremen’s Michael Zetterer, Trabzonspor stopper Ugurcan Cakir and RC Waalwijk’s Ettiene Vaessen.
Liverpool number two Caoimhin Kelleher has also emerged at the more ambitious end of the scale; however, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that we will see the Republic of Ireland international at Parkhead.
As we canter towards the end of the season, more names will begin to circulate, given the importance of Celtic acquiring a new first-choice goalkeeper early in the 2024/25 pre-season.
Celtic eyeing move for Middlesbrough stopper Tom Glover
According to FTBL AU, Celtic are in a four-way fight with Rangers, Newcastle United and Copenhagen to sign Middlesbrough goalkeeper Tom Glover, who has kept five clean sheets in 20 appearances this campaign [Transfermarkt].
The report states that the Australia Under-23 international is ‘high’ on Rodgers’ radar to replace Hart; nevertheless, Danish giants Copenhagen are keen to install the 26-year-old as their new preferred choice due to interest in Kamil Grabara.
Despite impressing at the Riverside Stadium this campaign, Glover is set for surgery on a fractured finger issue that led Seny Dieng to resume his position as Michael Carrick’s number one.
Boro could be open to selling on Glover once the transfer window opens due to his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, the outlet claim.
Per FBRef, the Sydney-born stopper has recorded a save percentage of 68.8% in the Sky Bet Championship this term from 48 shots on target he has faced.
Celtic are now well in the hunt for a new goalkeeper, and Glover has emerged as another intriguing option Rodgers turn to amid Hart’s impending retirement.