news-engine

Celtic face a risk of losing UD Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkaš if Martin O’Neill’s side don’t take quick action. Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement has forced the Scottish champions to look for a new No.1 this summer. Celtic have already identified at a few targets, including Horkaš. On July 16th, we relayed news O’Neill’s side are the biggest contender amid interest from Hull City and others. Four days ago, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that the Premier League side are no longer keen on him. Meanwhile, the Segunda División club have lowered their demand from €10m to €4-7m and are awaiting Celtic’s offer. Celtic intensify talks for signing Martin O’Neill’s side haven’t submitted an offer yet, and that has allowed an unnamed Saudi club to enter the race. That’s according to La Provincia, who claim this has forced Celtic to accelerate and try to close the deal. UD Las Palmas have decided to sell the Croatian, and he’s also keen on a move. The new developments mean his summer move has ‘entered a decisive phase’. The Scottish club have been in the lead until the emergence of the new contender with ‘enormous financial resources’. Saudi interest beneficial for Las Palmas Olympiacos, Torino, and Levante have also shown interest in Dinko Horkaš, but none of them made any advances. As of now, Celtic and the unnamed Saudi club are battling for the 27-year-old’s signature. This certainly favours UD Las Palmas, who could end up collecting €10m, a fee that they initially desired. Las Palmas are in Marbella for the pre-season, and their officials are negotiating with both Celtic and the Middle Eastern club to ‘finalise the transfer’. Martin O’Neill’s side are stepping up to maintain the lead. They seem to be well aware it’s almost impossible to compete financially with the Saudi club. La Provincia doesn’t mention Horkaš’ preference between these two teams. That could be key to determine the outcome. Key transfer points - Celtic have been leading signing race - Earlier this week, Las Palmas lowered fee from €10m to €4-7m - Saudi club enter battle for Horkaš, forcing O’Neill’s side to step up - Las Palmas negotiating with both, could end up collecting €10m