Celtic’s goalkeeper hunt is set to take precedence over the next few weeks as Brendan Rodgers looks to find a successor to Joe Hart.
The 37-year-old retired in a blaze of glory by helping the Bhoys claim a domestic double, and a host of names have been linked as potential replacements.
Peter Vindahl Jensen of Sparta Prague has emerged as a prominent target; meanwhile, Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher and Bayern Munich stopper Daniel Peretz have also been mentioned.
Nevertheless, most speculation has centred around Jensen and Newcastle United veteran Martin Dubravka, who has been told he can leave St James’ Park to seek a new challenge.
Former Celtic man Peter Grant has now assessed what he could bring to the table if a switch to Parkhead were on the cards for the Slovakia international.
Peter Grant’s assessment amid Martin Dubravka Celtic links
Despite Dubravka being 35 years of age, Grant doesn’t think that would be a concern as goalkeepers tend to play on for time to come amid the quality of modern-day training regimes.
He stated [Go Radio Football Show]: “I thought he did really well at Newcastle before Pope came in. Before he came in, I was quite surprised as he was doing ever so well, but that proved a fantastic signing for them, Pope was brilliant for them.
“Then Dubravka went to Manchester United and played a couple of games for Manchester United last season, and then he came back to Newcastle because Pope got injured and played again for them, so he’s 35 years of age, but yet again, nowadays, they (goalkeepers) all look fantastically fit.
“It shows you the qualities when the likes of Manchester United are going looking for you as well. That’s why I’m disappointed with the likes of Joe Hart; given his age, he still looks in fantastic shape. All these guys can continue on nowadays because they work completely different.
“He’s a quality goalkeeper (Dubravka). It depends on the cost because there are a few goalkeepers who are getting mentioned now.”
Dubravka has gained regular minutes with Newcastle over the campaign, racking up eight clean sheets in 30 appearances while deputising for Nick Pope [Transfermarkt].
Regardless, it looks as if his time in the North East is set to come to an end this summer, with Sky Sports doubling down on claims that the Slovakian stopper will be moved on to make way for a new goalkeeper to fight it out with Pope for the number one jersey under Eddie Howe.
Whether Celtic can get a deal over the line for the former Sparta Prague man remains to be seen, but his name isn’t going away any time soon as they search for a fresh figure between the sticks.