Premier League winner 'passes' Celtic medical ahead of permanent move

The Hoops are on the lookout for a new shot-stopper following the retirement of Joe Hart at the end of last season.

Hart spent three seasons at Parkhead and he kept 64 clean sheets in 153 appearances for the club, winning seven domestic honours including three top-flight titles.

A host of goalkeepers have been linked with a move to Celtic, including Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher, who is keen to gain regular first-team football but is valued by the Reds at around £20m.

The Hoops have instead turned to a cheaper alternative and are set to replace Hart with a fellow 37-year-old shot-stopper in Schmeichel.

Schmeichel passes medical ahead of joining Celtic

According to Football Insider, Celtic have reached a full agreement to sign Schmeichel, who is currently a free agent after leaving Anderlecht upon the expiration of his contract last month.

The goalkeeper is said to have already completed his medical and agreed personal terms ahead of making the move to Glasgow.

A separate report from journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Schmeichel will put pen to paper on a 12-month contract which includes the option to extend until the summer of 2026.

It is understood that Schmeichel's transfer to Celtic could be finalised and announced by the end of Saturday.

Schmeichel to reunite with Rodgers, bring leadership to Parkhead

Schmeichel is set to reunite with manager Brendan Rodgers for whom he worked under for four years during his legendary spell at Leicester City.

The 105-cap Denmark international made 479 appearances during an 11-year stay at Leicester between 2011 and 2022, and he was memorably a key part of the Foxes side that defined all the odds to win the 2015-16 Premier League title.

Schmeichel had previously won the Championship title with Leicester in 2013-14, while he also celebrated winning the FA Cup and the Community Shield in 2021 during his time with the Foxes.

After leaving Leicester, Schmeichel spent a season in France with Nice before moving to Belgium to join Anderlecht where he made 32 appearances in all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets.

The goalkeeper's illustrious career began at Man City, where he trained alongside Joe Hart, and he also gained valuable experience on loan at five different clubs, including a brief spell in Scotland with Falkirk in 2007.