Anderlecht appear to be the main competition to Celtic’s hopes of signing Koen Casteels.
With Joe Hart retiring after the Scottish Cup Final signing a new goalkeeper would appear to be a transfer priority with the former England ‘keeper informing Brendan Rodgers in February of his decision to quit.
Casteels was linked with Celtic earlier in the week by the normally reliable Stephen McGowan of the Daily Mail. At the age of 31 and standing at 6 foot 5 with seven years Bundesliga experience behind him the Belgian internationalist appears to have the perfect profile to take over Hart.
It had been assumed that Casteels was on his way to Anderlecht but a report today from Belgian publisher Nieuwsblad confirms that Celtic are also contenders for his services:
The Purple & White is betting on the arrival of Koen Casteels (31), the transfer-free goalkeeper from Wolfsburg. RSCA’s interest is very specific. Celtic Glasgow is also pulling on the Red Devil’s sleeve and, as Scottish champions, can offer Champions League football. At Anderlecht, the goalkeeper may have to settle for the Europa League or even the Conference League, but the people of Brussels hope that a Belgian project can still convince Casteels.
After leaving Belgium in 2011 joining Anderlecht would seem like a logical move but with at least eight Champions League matches assured an offer from Celtic could be very tempting.
Pushing the Joe Hart story is bound to make an impression on Casteels, the former England keeper has been incredibly complimentary for all things Celtic, very few clubs can provide the backing of 60,000 passionate fans at every home match.
Finances will as ever be vital in his decision but with record turnover and profits Celtic fans would be hopeful that their club can match the offer being made by Anderlecht.
With Thiabaut Courtois ruled out through injury Casteels is in contention to be Belgium’s first choice goalkeeper at the European Campionships which is likely to be his priority over the coming weeks.
Playing at the Euros could be the perfect shop window for the 31-year-old, ideally Celtic would want Hart’s successor signed up before the head to the United States with the first scheduled pre-season friendly against DC United on July 21.
CLICK HERE for Casteels’ Transfermarkt profile.
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