Celtic have been credited with an interest in Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas, although the Scottish champions are reportedly facing stiff competition for the Croatian’s signature.
Reports in Spain claim the Hoops are one of four clubs monitoring the 26-year-old, with Hull City, Olympiacos and Sevilla also said to be pursuing a deal.
According to La Provincia, Horkas is valued at between £6 million and £8 million following an impressive campaign in Spain, where he established himself as Las Palmas’ first-choice goalkeeper.
However, Las Palmas president Miguel Angel Ramirez has criticised the conduct of clubs pursuing the shot-stopper, suggesting negotiations have not begun in the right manner.
He said interested clubs had made a “bad start” by “tapping up” Horkas and attempting to negotiate directly with the player before opening formal discussions with Las Palmas.
Horkas played a key role as Las Palmas narrowly missed out on promotion to La Liga, suffering play-off disappointment against Malaga. His performances have attracted attention across Europe, with several clubs now weighing up a move.
Hull City’s reported interest comes amid uncertainty over the club’s goalkeeping department, while Olympiacos are expected to require a replacement if Konstantinos Tzolakis departs this summer. Sevilla are also in the market for reinforcements following the exits of Orjan Nyland and Odysseas Vlachodimos.
A graduate of Dinamo Zagreb’s academy, Horkas was unable to establish himself as the Croatian club’s first-choice goalkeeper before rebuilding his career with spells in Bulgaria and, more recently, Spain.
Celtic are expected to strengthen their goalkeeping department during the summer transfer window, regardless of whether the club intends to replace its current number one or not.
Recent transfer speculation suggests the Hoops are actively searching for a goalkeeper capable of challenging for a starting place, despite Viljami Sinisalo impressing during his run in the team towards the end of last season.
Hertha Berlin’s Tjark Ernst is among the names to have emerged as a potential target, although reports indicate Bundesliga side Wolfsburg are currently in pole position to secure the 23-year-old’s signature.
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