Celtic ramp up loan talks for ex-England Internationalist Sam Johnstone

Celtic have reportedly ramped up talks with Wolves over the loan signing of Sam Johnstone. The 33-year-old appears to have fallen out of the first team picture with the Championship side and could leave for first team action.

Martin O’Neill’s side are in the market for a new goalkeeper to compete with Vil Sinisalo and add depth to the position after Kasper Schmeichel left the club in the summer. As per Record Sport, Celtic have stepped up talks over a deal to sign Johnstone.

The four-cap England Internationalist has played regularly in England’s top flight and he will be eager to play regularly, especially given the opportunity to play in Europe.

Celtic have been successful in signing experienced goalkeepers from England, who are eager to compete for silverware and in Europe with Joe Hart being the most successful acquisition between the sticks. Hart’s former Man City colleague Schmeichel followed after the Englishman decided to hang up his gloves.

Schmeichel was retired as a result of a shoulder injury and his displays deteriorated towards the end of his spell at Celtic. Sinisalo stepped in and deputised well but it has been clear that the young goalie requires competition in order to push on and continue his development.

The report also states that Celtic are interested in a left-back and a right-back before the closes. The club are also closing in on a loan-to-buy deal for Parma midfielder Oliver Sorensen and PSV Eindhoven starlet Joel van den Berg.