Former Premier League goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is a target for Celtic following Joe Hart’s retirement, according to talkSPORT.
However, the Bosnian great is reportedly willing to stay at Queens Park Rangers after helping the club to Championship safety.
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Reigning Scottish champions Celtic are looking to sign a new No.1 this summer, with Hart leaving Parkhead after deciding to hang up his gloves.
The former England No.1 is hoping to end his 21-year career by helping the Bhoys to a league and cup double, with Celtic currently leading Rangers to the top of the Scottish Premiership and also set to take on their Old Firm rivals in the Scottish Cup Final in May.
But the club have already moved forward with their plan to replace Hart, with the experienced Begovic on their shortlist.
The 36-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer as he nears the end of his contract with Championship side QPR.
Begovic has made 46 appearances for the Rs so far this season after arriving on a free transfer last summer after leaving Everton.
This is only his second season in the second division, having made 256 Premier League appearances and kept 63 clean sheets in 15 seasons with Portsmouth, Stoke City, Chelsea, Bournmeouth and the Toffees in the top flight.
He is now wanted in a possible move to Scotland as Celtic consider their options to replace Hart this summer.
However, talkSPORT understands Begovic is set to stay at QPR this summer.
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The R’s secured their status in the Championship on Friday with a 4-0 victory over Leeds United – a result which also saw their promotion rivals Leicester City return to the Premier League.
Now that security is assured, Begovic is keen to extend his stay at Loftus Road and hopes to begin negotiations over a new contract with the club to stay put.
This is unlikely to deter Celtic from pursuing, however, with the goalkeeper having already praised the Scottish giants after facing them in a mid-season friendly for Everton.
Speaking after the 2022 Sydney Super Cup match in Australia, which Everton won on penalties, Begovic said: “It was nice to win, nice to put in a performance.
“When you play against a team like Celtic you know you’re always going to be in a competitive game – that’s exactly what we have today.”
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