Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Mark Walker

Celtic transfer target to decide future this week as boss addresses offers

Stefan Leitl (Image: Bruce White/Shutterstock)

Hertha Berlin boss Stefan Leitl has revealed he expects Celtic keeper target Tjark Ernst to decide his future this week.

The 23-year-old shotstopper is reportedly a key Hoops target for the new season and has a £4 million price tag on it, with his club keen for him to stay.

Celtic are in a battle with Wolfsburg to land the highly-rated former Germany Under 21s goalkeeper, with Ajax also linked.

Ernst returned to pre-season training this week in the German capital and Hertha have revealed there is plenty of interest in him, but remain hopeful he could stay with the Bundesliga 2 club.

Boss Leitl said: "Yes, of course I want as many players as possible to stay.

"But I think the situation is quite clear. There have apparently been offers for him.

"I believe Tjark is now in a position to make a decision. And we'll wait for that. And we have to prepare ourselves for either outcome.

"But I hope he stays."

And Hertha sports director, Peter Gorlich, conceded there was plenty of interest in the keeper.


Read more

Saracchi vs Tierney: What the numbers tell us about key Celtic transfer call The Celtic youth prospects who could force their way into Martin O'Neill's plans


He said: "I've been on the phone so much about Tjark that I've lost track of who was actually on the line!

"We are the player's contractual partner. He's still here.

"But of course, a goalkeeper like him, who already has such charisma at such a young age, attracts interest from other clubs.

"Tjark also knows what he has with us, what position he can play here in the future. We'll see what the various parties decide.

"This weighing-up of options is never easy. Firstly, we're talking about people and secondly, we're talking about key squad positions. And the goalkeeper is, after all, a crucial position.

"Nothing is ruled out, but we're prepared should certain scenarios arise."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.