Sam Johnstone is the latest goalkeeper linked with a move to Celtic.
Since the injury and subsequent retirement of Kasper Schmeichel last season Vil Sinisalo has become the first choice keeper.
As far back as the pre-season friendly against Shelbourne on July 7 Martin O’Neill confirmed his intent on signing another goalkeeper.
Almost a fresh name has surfaced every week but with one week left in the transfer window Celtic have yet to strengthen that position.
Like Schmeichel, Johnston suffered a shoulder injury last season, restricting him to just 12 EPL appearances as Wolves were relegated.
With another new manager in charge it seems that Wolves are happy to sell Johnstone who has two years left on his contract.
The Daily Mail reports:
Celtic are understood to be considering a move for experienced Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as they assess their options following their disastrous exit from the Champions League.
The Scottish champions suffered one of the most damaging European defeats in their recent history on Tuesday night, incredibly surrendering a four-goal aggregate advantage to lose 5-4 to LASK and miss out on the Champions League league phase for a second successive season. Johnstone has emerged as a potential option.
The 33-year-old England international is at Wolves but his future at Molineux is increasingly uncertain following the club’s relegation to the Championship and subsequent changes to their goalkeeping department.
Johnstone underwent shoulder surgery towards the end of last season, which ruled him out of the final matches of the campaign and disrupted his pre-season. However, he has been back training for several weeks, has regained full movement in the shoulder and is effectively back to full fitness.
Despite his return to fitness, there are significant doubts over whether Johnstone features in new Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto’s long-term plans.
The report adds:
Johnstone would bring considerable experience to Celtic Park. The former Manchester United academy goalkeeper has made more than 350 senior appearances during spells with West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Wolves, while he has also represented England at senior level.
At 33, he could offer Celtic an experienced and proven presence at a time when the club are looking for greater stability following the extraordinary collapse against LASK.
With the transfer deadline approaching and Johnstone now nearing complete match fitness, it could be a situation that develops quickly.
Celtic need a response after their Champions League humiliation and Johnstone needs regular football. A move to Glasgow could potentially suit both parties.
Despite his age Johnstone is younger than Joe Hart and Schmeichel were when they moved to Celtic.
Johnstone doesn’t have the profile of either of those keepers but has a decade of fairly regular football to his name in the Championship and EPL.
Ross Doohan is currently second choice keeper but hasn’t played a competitive game in over 15 months.
As Schmeichel demonstrated a goalkeeper is as likely as any outfield player to pick up an injury.
Celtic have until 11pm on September 2 to register their Europa League squad with UEFA.
The domestic transfer window closes at 5pm on Thursday September 3.
CLICK HERE for Johnstone Transfermarkt profile.
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