Asmir Begovic Celtic free transfer weighed up as Hoops told move fast or lose out on QPR star

Celtic have been told to move fast if they want to sign Asmir Begovic on a free transfer this summer.

The experienced goalkeeper, 36, is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a potential move to Parkhead as Joe Hart prepares to hang up his gloves. The Hoops have been credited with an interest in a number of stoppers including Patrick Pentz and Ugurcan Cakir but Begovic would ultimately be the cheaper option.

Former England international Carlton Palmer believes Begovic's current club, QPR, will be desperate to keep hold of the Bosnian after his stellar season. And that could throw a spanner in the works for Brendan Rodgers' summer movements if he wants the stopper.

"Celtic’s Joe Hart is retiring after a fabulous career in the game," Palmer told Football League World: "He’s been outstanding at every club he has been at, and has been a very consistent performer, so Celtic are looking for a replacement. Apparently they’re interested in QPR goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. He’s been outstanding for QPR this season, and he’s out of contract this summer, and he’s 36, nearly 37.

“Before survival they didn’t want to talk about who they wanted to keep, but now they’ve survived, I’m sure that they’ll be opening contract talks with Begovic, who has played 46 games this season. As a goalkeeper, his age makes no difference, and I’m sure they’ll want to keep him in the building if they could.

"You can’t offer contracts until you know which league you’re going to be playing in. Now they know they’re going to be playing in the Championship, I’m sure Begovic is one of those that they’ll be wanting to tie down as soon as possible - he has been outstanding for them this season."