Celtic manager Martin O'Neill may get the new goalkeeper he has been seeking, as Hertha Berlin's Tjark Ernst remains absent from the squad amid transfer speculation. The 23-year-old former Germany youth international has a €5 million (£4.3 million) release clause in his contract, but Berliner Zeitung reports that the fee is being negotiated due to his expiring deal with just one year left.
Ernst Misses Friendly Amid Transfer Rumours
Earlier this week, Hertha Berlin head coach Ands Leitl insisted that no deal was imminent and that Ernst would play in Wednesday's friendly against Lichtenberg. However, the shot-stopper was again left out of the match, fuelling speculation that a transfer could be advancing behind the scenes.
After the game, Leitl explained: "His absence? A misunderstanding. He'll play on Saturday." The club is set to face Lok Leipzig this weekend, but O'Neill will hope the absence continues as he pushes for a new recruit between the sticks.
O'Neill Seeks Goalkeeper Competition
Following Kasper Schmeichel's retirement, the 74-year-old Celtic boss admitted he is looking for competition for Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan. "We're definitely looking for another goalkeeper," O'Neill said. "Whether it be a youngish fellow, same age as Sinisalo, or somebody a bit older, we're definitely looking at it. Because we've only got Sinisalo here at this minute and we've got Ross [Doohan]."
Ernst has also been linked with Feyenoord and Borussia Monchengladbach, but Celtic's interest could give them an edge if they move quickly to trigger the release clause or negotiate a lower fee.
