Joe Hart has enjoyed a heroic ending to his Celtic career that he will be keen to finish off by getting his hands on another Scottish Premiership title.
The 37-year-old also has a chance to win the Scottish Cup following his exploits at the semi-final stage against Aberdeen, where he led the Bhoys to the final by making a decisive save from Killian Phillips’ penalty during a shootout.
Commanding his backline, Hart played his part in the Bhoys’ 2-1 victory over Rangers last weekend as Celtic moved within touching distance of claiming the Scottish Premiership title.
Despite the love the Parkhead support feel for Hart, his decision to retire has thrown up the million-dollar question of who will become Brendan Rodgers’ new number one for next campaign.
According to various reports, Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, Queens Park Rangers stopper Asmir Begovic and Scotland international Liam Kelly have been mentioned in the conversation.
Nevertheless, it remains open to interpretation as to who will come in and succeed Hart, with plenty of speculation set to do the rounds in the coming weeks.
Celtic reportedly keen on Southampton’s Alex McCarthy
Per The Daily Mail, Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is considered a summer transfer target for Celtic amid his potential availability as a free agent once the campaign concludes, with his contract on the South Coast set to expire.
Liverpool and Newcastle United are also courting the former England international as they hunt for back-up between the sticks.
An experienced veteran at 34 years old, McCarthy has been looked at by Rodgers before as he seeks a stopper adept with his feet, the outlet claim.
Saudi Arabian clubs are also monitoring his situation in their numbers. The Guilford-born man has a Premier League background, having starred for Reading, Crystal Palace, QPR and Southampton in the English top-flight.
Alex McCarthy could be a solution for Celtic this summer
McCarthy has only played seven matches this campaign for Southampton, including in the Sky Bet Championship playoff semi-final against West Bromwich Albion last week, and he has kept two clean sheets in total [Transfermarkt].
Per FBRef, he has recorded a save percentage of 65.4% from 26 shots on target, conceding an average of 1.8 goals per 90 minutes on league duty.
Celtic are likely to have several options on their shortlist this summer; however, if some of their primary targets fall through, bringing in proven experience on a free transfer may become a viable option for Rodgers in the upcoming window.