Celtic have placed Sparta Prague goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen at the top of their goalkeeping wishlist this summer but the Czech club are eager to keep hold of him.
Joe Hart’s retirement has resulted in a long list of shot-stoppers being linked with the Scottish champions over the last couple of months.
Celtic need to get this transfer right, having experienced what an unstable goalkeeping situation can do to a season just a few years ago.
Jensen has emerged as the favourite to take on the void left by Hart, with Celtic reported to be eager for a positive end to negotiations with Sparta over the coming weeks.
However, the Czech double-winners are said to hold a strong hand in those negotiations and won’t let their star goalie go for cheap.
Celtic still have the resources to land goalkeeping target
Football Scotland reports that Sparta Prague are looking for a fee in excess of £4m for the player, which would take a fair dent out of Celtic’s summer budget.
However, any seven-figure fee is definitely achievable for the Bhoys. Having banked another season of UEFA Champions League money and heading for more next term, the resources are there to pursue a target they believe in.
If Jensen is the man identified by the scouting team and Brendan Rodgers to take on the task then the club should go and get him without much hesitation.
Sparta don’t seem to want anything excessive for a successful goalkeeper who has performed at Europa League level.
Celtic can’t be drawn into a goalkeeping saga that drags on all summer. Rodgers will likely want his man in the door early to acclimatise to his defensive line and the challenges of Scottish football.
Get this deal done and set the tone for what should be a productive and exciting summer.