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Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has announced his decision to retire at the end this season and Brendan Rodgers’ side have to bring in a replacement for him in the summer.

RKC Waalwijk’s Etienne Vaessen has been identified as a target for Celtic. That’s according to Algemeen Dagblad, relayed by Soccernews, who state Celtic have ‘concrete’ interest in the 28-year-old.

The stopper’s deal expires in the summer and it’s said Celtic have already made an offer to him. Due to his contract situation, the report says he has ‘all the control in his hands’.

Brendan Rodgers’ side aren’t alone as PSV Eindhoven are also in the mix to sign Vaessen, who hasn’t yet made a decision on his future yet. He’s currently focused on helping RKC avoid relegation.

The Eredivisie side’s director, Earnest Stewart, watched the Dutchman against Vitesse last week. PSV see him as an ideal candidate to become Joël Drommel’s backup.

Eindhovens Dagblad journalist Rik Elfrink took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to state it’s possible for PSV to complete the deal in April. The Dutch club may not take this step considering they currently have five goalkeepers in the squad.

This isn’t the case with Brendan Rodgers’ side, especially with Hart’s exit at the end of this season, and it may give them an advantage over PSV.

It could be a battle between Celtic and PSV for Vaessen in the summer.

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