news-engine

Las Palmas president Miguel Ángel Ramírez has confirmed that Celtic have made an offer for goalkeeper Dinko Horkaš. Speaking to Tinta Amarilla, Ramírez said the Croatian has asked to leave the Spanish club but made clear that Las Palmas will not accept the current proposal. He said: “Dinko Horkas is a UD Las Palmas player who has asked to leave the club. “The club won’t let him go because the only offer we have [from Celtic] isn’t attractive to the club.” Ramírez has now publicly stated that an offer is on the table. The Las Palmas president also gave a blunt account of the goalkeeper’s current position. “He says it will be difficult for him to continue playing for UD Las Palmas since he had an offer from Saudi, that would have been a lifesaver,” Ramírez said. “Horkas says he doesn’t feel strong or motivated to be on the team. But we have other ways he can contribute to help the team. If he doesn’t want to play, he can still help us mark the pitch or put up the nets. “He has a contract with UD Las Palmas and will stay at the club if the offer he has doesn’t meet UD Las Palmas’ expectations.” Those comments show the relationship between the player and club has become strained. Horkaš is under contract and Las Palmas are prepared to keep him unless their terms are met, despite his wish to move on. Ramírez also revealed the figures being discussed. “We’re talking about five million. They’re offering us four million to be paid over four years. We’re asking for five million and 50 per cent of any future transfer fee.” That leaves a clear gap between Celtic and Las Palmas. The Spanish club want €5 million and a 50 per cent share of any future transfer, while Celtic’s current offer is €4 million spread across four years. The difference in the headline fee is not huge, but the payment structure and sell-on demand make the deal more difficult. Celtic have been looking at adding another goalkeeper this summer, although Viljami Sinisalo is currently viewed as Martin O’Neill’s number one. A move for Horkaš would therefore raise questions over whether the club’s plans have changed or whether they see the Croatian as strong competition rather than a clear back-up. For now, the offer has been rejected and Las Palmas are standing firm. The president’s comments have confirmed Celtic’s interest is real, but the Hoops will need to improve both the value and structure of the deal if they want to bring Horkaš to Glasgow.