Celtic Racing Clock for New Keeper Before Euro Deadline

Celtic are scrambling to land a goalkeeper before a tight Tuesday night cutoff. The club must register their Europa League squad with UEFA by 11pm. That deadline comes a full day before the Scottish window shuts. Missing it means any new signing cannot play in the league phase. The urgency stems from Kasper Schmeichel hanging up his gloves this summer. The Bhoys now have a gap between the posts that needs filling fast.

Sam Johnstone has emerged as the top target. The 33 year old England international is on the move after Wolves brought in two fresh keepers. Joao Virginia and John Ruddy arrived to push Jose Sa. That pushed Johnstone down the pecking order. Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto said the club had honest talks with him. He confirmed Johnstone will not feature in future plans. The player is training with the group but is effectively transfer listed. Celtic want a loan deal to bring him to Glasgow.

Current backup Viljami Sinisalo has started the season well. He made some big saves early on. He did let one in against Falkirk at the weekend. That might sting but Martin O'Neill still trusts him. The manager is likely to give Sinisalo a real shot at the number one spot. A new arrival would create healthy competition. That pushes everyone to perform at their best.

The transfer business does not stop at goalkeeper. Celtic are close to sealing a permanent move for midfielder Joel Van den Berg from PSV Eindhoven. A loan for Oliver Sorensen from Parma is also nearing completion. Reo Hatate could be heading out the door. If he leaves the club will need a third midfielder. There is also a hole at left back. Kieran Tierney struggles to play twice a week due to past injuries. A reliable deputy is essential for a long season.

Johnstone has worn many shirts over his career. Manchester United, West Brom, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa all appear on his CV. He also had loan spells at Oldham, Scunthorpe, Walsall, Yeovil, Doncaster and Preston. That experience could be valuable in European nights. The clock is ticking. Celtic fans will be watching the phone lines closely over the next 24 hours.