Celtic star Joe Hart opens talks over deal - Sources

By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

21st Oct, 2023 | 8:00am

Sources: Celtic star Joe Hart opens talks over deal

Joe Hart and Celtic are in talks over a potential new contract for the shot-stopper, sources have told Football Insider.

Hart, 36, is currently out of contract at the end of the season but is in discussions to prolong his stay at Parkhead.

That is despite Brendan Rodgers’ willingness to add a new goalkeeper to his pool of options in the coming transfer windows.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (20 October) that Celtic are eyeing goalkeeping reinforcements in January – but could delay the signing until next summer if the right option is not available.

It is believed the Hoops were keen to add a new shot-stopper during the recent summer window, but a move failed to materialise.

Hart remains the current first choice between the sticks for Celtic in the 2023-24 campaign.

Ange Postecoglou brought him to the club on a free transfer in 2021, and Rodgers has stuck with the ex-England international following his summer arrival.

He has notched four clean sheets in 10 total outings for the Hoops this term, conceding nine goals.

Last season, Hart kept 20 clean sheets while conceding 48 goals in those outings – and was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year as a result.

Also on the books at Celtic are goalkeepers Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist – with Bain stepping in after Hart was dismissed against Livingston earlier this season.

Celtic sit top of the Scottish Premiership – already some seven points ahead of rivals Rangers after just eight games.

Rodgers’ side face Hearts in the top flight on Sunday (22 October) before clashing with Atletico Madrid at Parkhead in the Champions League on Wednesday (25 October).

In other news, Celtic expert suggests defender deal collapse.