Celtic ‘face competition’ from Chelsea for Ukraine star amid swap deal claims

Celtic are reportedly planning an ambitious move for a La Liga star as they prepare for life without Joe Hart - but they will face major competition from English Premier League giants Chelsea.

The former Manchester City and England goalkeeper is in the final year of his current deal with the reigning Premiership champions and there has been little indication Hart could extend his two-year stay at Celtic Park. The 36-year-old has enjoyed a successful stay with the Hoops and played a key role in securing a league and League Cup double during his first year with the club before helping his side to a historic treble last season.

Despite defending Hart amid some criticism over his recent performances, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is reportedly considering a number of alternative options for his number one keeper and is said to have placed Real Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin at the top of his list of priorities.

The nine-times capped Ukraine international started the season in between the sticks for the La Liga giants as he helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side to league wins over Athletic Bilbao and Almeria and received praise from the former Chelsea boss for his performances.

He said: We wish (Thibault Courtois) a speedy recovery and we give all the confidence in the world to Lunin, who is a great goalkeeper. In pre-season, he did well. Total confidence in him, we think he is a talent. What he lacks is what everyone lacks, experience, but he will take it game by game.”

However, the arrival of Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga has reduced Lunin to watching on from the substitutes bench ever since and The Sun have claimed he is now looking for a move away from the Spanish capital as he looks to secure regular first-team football elsewhere. The same report also claims Chelsea are ready to provide competition to Celtic by handing Lunin an opportunity to move to Stamford Bridge and a ready to offer Arrizabalaga in exchange on a permanent deal.