Celtic’s Nick Hammond has backing from club chiefs in his pursuit of target

Greek website Sdna.Gr have again reported on Celtic’s pursuit of AEK goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas.

The Greek international has been linked with a move to the Scottish Premiership champions in recent weeks following reports they could come in for him in the next window.

However, Sdna say Celtic are only looking to add a goalkeeper to their squad next summer, and signing Barkas isn’t a priority ahead of the winter transfer window as Neil Lennon already has Fraser Forster, Craig Gordon and Scott Bain in his squad.

According to Sdna, Celtic’s head of football operations Nick Hammond has the backing of the club’s hierarchy and is looking to use his network in Greece to sign the 25 year old.

It’s reported Barkas is being considered by Celtic, although there’s no final decision yet. The AEK goalkeeper could cost Celtic in the region of €7m, according to recent reports in in the Greek media.

Barkas’ contract with the Athens side will expire at the end of June 2022.