EXCLUSIVE
Former Premier League goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is a target for Celtic following Joe Hart’s retirement, talkSPORT understands.
However, the big Bosnian is open to staying put at Queens Park Rangers after helping the club to Championship safety.
2
Reigning Scottish champions Celtic are looking to bring in a new No.1 this summer, with Hart leaving Parkhead having decided to hang up his gloves.
The former England No.1 will be hooping to end his 21-year career by helping the Bhoys to a league and cup double, with Celtic currently leading Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership and also set to face their Old Firm rivals in the Scottish Cup final in May.
But the club has already moved ahead with their plans to replace Hart, with the experienced Begovic on their shortlist.
The 36-year-old is set to become a free agent in the summer as he approaches the end of his contract with Championship outfit QPR.
Read more transfer news
Begovic has made 46 appearances for the Rs so far this season following his arrival on a free transfer last summer after leaving Everton.
It’s been only his second ever season playing in the second tier, having made 256 appearances in the Premier League and keeping 63 clean sheets across 15 seasons with Portsmouth, Stoke City, Chelsea, Bournmeouth and the Toffees in the top flight.
He’s now wanted in a potential move to Scotland as Celtic look at their options to replace Hart this summer.
However, Begovic told talkSPORT he is open to staying at QPR this summer, as he hailed supporters and the quality of the team.
Most read in Football
2
The Rs secured their status in the Championship on Friday with a 4-0 victory over Leeds United - a result which also happened to gift their promotion rivals Leicester City a return to the Premier League.
Now safety is secured, Begovic is interested in lengthening his stay at Loftus Road and hopes to enter negotiations over a new contract with the club to stay put.
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown reveals the toughest opponent he faced in his career including Clarence Seedorf, Virgil van Dijk, Andres Iniesta and Xavi
Begovic was asked about his future beyond this season by talkSPORT football reporter Ian Abrahams after the game on Friday night.
He said: “I actually don’t know. My contract runs out this summer and nobody has really spoken about anything until we got over the line, which is completely understandable. So it’s something we’ll address in the coming weeks.
“But it’s a great club, it’s a great fanbase and the atmosphere was incredible tonight. The second-half of the season was more like what we should be and what we truly are, so hopefully we can keep a lot of players together in the squad and really kick on next year.
“As crazy as it sounds I’ve actually really enjoyed playing this year. I know there have been some ups and downs in the team, but it’s been fun and hopefully we can keep it going.”
Before that, though, Begovic admits he's excited about having a break from the game and enjoying some quality time with his family away from football.
“Next year will be my 20th professional season, so first thing’s first we’ll get on a family holiday and spend some time with the kids and the family, play a bit of golf," he added.
Read More on talkSPORT
“Then I’ll keep training and get fit for next year, go again and get the body ready to deal with the stresses the 46 games or a whole year of football puts you under.
“But I’m really looking forward to a holiday now!”