Celtic have still yet to find a solution to their goalkeeping situation despite a whole host of targets being linked to the club.
Scott Bain is likely to start for the Bhoys as they take on Ayr United tonight; however, the 32-year-old isn’t viewed as the long-term number one at Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers will have irons in the fire as he seeks reinforcements, with Sparta Prague’s Peter Vindahl Jensen mooted to be his preferred target to replace Joe Hart.
Negotiations are ongoing with the Dane; meanwhile, Newcastle United veteran Martin Dubravka is also in the frame after being made surplus to requirements at St James’ Park.
Nevertheless, one other reported Celtic goalkeeper target is keeping busy ahead of the new season by training at non-league level.
Celtic-linked goalkeeper Asmir Begovic trains with Aldershot
Former Queens Park Rangers stopper Asmir Begovic has been linked to Celtic this summer and is available on a free transfer after exiting Loftus Road.
The 37-year-old was coy about his future plans when asked where he could end up next, telling talkSPORT last month: “Nothing has been decided yet. I am keeping myself fit. I really enjoyed last year, the fact that I played so many games.”
While Begovic awaits his next move, he has kept sharp over the summer by joining in on English fifth-tier side Aldershot Town’s pre-season training, cited via The Sun.
The reason why he has pitched up there is likely to do with the fact that their lead goalkeeper coach, David Smalley, is a personal friend and involved in Begovic’s AB1 Academy, specialising in training the next generation of stoppers.
Capped 63 times for Bosnia & Herzegovina, the experienced figure has spent a wealth of time in the Premier League throughout his career, making over 250 appearances for various clubs [Transfermarkt].
Last term, Begovic kept 13 clean sheets in 45 outings for QPR as they avoided relegation from the Sky Bet Championship.
Celtic look to have turned their attention elsewhere in recent weeks, though if they can’t solicit a deal for Vindahl Jensen or Dubravka, they may look to replenish Hart’s know-how with another goalkeeper that has been over the course.
Whether Begovic would satisfy supporters as a new arrival is up for debate. Regardless, the hunt for a new stopper at the Bhoys can’t go on much longer.