Celtic’s John Kennedy address goalkeeper hunt and update on two key outfield targets amid ‘challenges’ filling key position

Celtic are working hard to bring in a new custodian in time for the start of the new season, despite “challenges” in filling the key position.

That is according to assistant manager John Kennedy, who insists that finding a replacement for Joe Hart, who retired at the end of last season aged 37, is a top priority for the Parkhead club.

Hart retired to great acclaim following the Scottish Cup final victory over Rangers at Hampden last month, leaving back-ups Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist as the club’s only recognised first-team goalkeepers.

So far this summer, the Hoops have been linked with a number of shot-stoppers, including Sparta Prague’s Peter Vindahl Jensen, Newcastle United veteran Martin Dubravka, and Bournemouth’s Mark Travers, but nothing concrete has emerged.

Kennedy revealed that Celtic has faced “challenges” in negotiations with key targets, but emphasised that the club is doing everything possible to secure a new number one before the team departs for its US pre-season tour next month.

He said[Sky Sports]: “I think the club are working hard on that. Some targets have been identified and we’ve been working on that in the background. It’s a key position for us; we know it’s a position we need to get in. We want to do that as soon as we can.

“There are obviously some challenges in terms of the negotiations that will take place. But ultimately, we know it’s a key position for us. We want to get the key positions in as quickly as we can, so we get to work with them, and the manager and the board are working hard on that.”

Kennedy was also asked by Sky Sports for an update on the pursuit of permanent moves for Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo, who had successful loan spells from Norwich and Benfica last season, respectively.

“Again, I think there’s a lot of conversations happening,” Kennedy added. “It’s a time when players have been on holiday, and different things have been happening. We now come back for pre-season and hopefully in the coming weeks a few things will start to happen. There’s a lot of plate-spinning and work getting done. Hopefully we’ll start to see that materialising in the coming weeks.”

Last summer, Kennedy turned down an offer to join Ange Postecoglou in moving to Tottenham to remain a member of Brendan Rodgers’ backroom staff at Parkhead. Despite an up and down season last season, the 40-year-old insisted he had no regrets about his choice.

“I’ve never looked at anything that way,” he said. “When things are done and dusted and the decision is made you’re fully committed to it. I’ve been a long time here, had lots of success and worked with terrific people. It’s a great club to work for so I’m never going to have any regrets on that, especially when you see the scenes at the end of the season and see how special a club it is.

“When you come back to Celtic Park and the fans are there, the two trophies are out on the stage, and you see the reception the players get, it’s second to none.”

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