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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Celtic 'closing in' on another goalkeeper as Aston Villa ace to follow Schmeichel

Celtic are reportedly close to striking a deal for Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.

Brendan Rodgers is thought to be nearing a deal to sign Kasper Schmeichel and Sinisalo is poised to follow him to Parkhead.

Celtic have been on the hunt for goalkeeping reinforcements this summer after Joe Hart retired.

Schmeichel - who was set to undergo a medical over the weekend - is expected to finalise a move to Celtic in the coming days.

And it has now emerged he could be joined by a second goalkeeping addition this summer.

Sinisalo was first linked with Celtic in May, and the Scottish Sun report interest has remained with the Finnish keeper set for a switch to Scotland.

The 22-year-old is currently at Aston Villa but Celtic are thought to be in discussions to negotiate a transfer fee for the player.

Sinisalo played for Exeter on loan last season and has experienced football in Scotland previously during a loan spell at Ayr United in the 2020/21 season.


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The report suggests Celtic were always interested in signing two goalkeepers this summer with Rodgers set to land Sinisalo and Schmeichel.

Currently, Celtic have Scott Bain and Benji Siegrist under contract but the Swiss stopper has been heavily touted for a transfer exit.

Meanwhile, Schmeichel, 37, is a free agent after leaving Anderlecht and has emerged as a top candidate to succeed Hart as Celtic No1.

Son of Manchester United hero Peter, Schmeichel began his career at Manchester City.

After a series of loan spells, including one at Falkirk, he moved to Notts County and then Leeds.

Schmeichel would then settle at Leicester City where he would win the Championship, Premier League, FA Cup and FA Community Shield.

The goalkeeper captained Leicester for a period under Rodgers in 2021/22 before moving to Nice and then spending a season at Anderlecht.

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