OPINION
Brendan Rodgers should look to add Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles to his Celtic side before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Sun’s transfer expert Alan Nixon claimed on his personal Twitter account that the 27-year-old goalkeeper could be available on a free transfer, with Everton looking to secure an “exit package” for the Spanish stopper.
The former Wigan goalkeeper has less than a year left on his contract but could be let go for free in order to help him find a new club before the deadline strikes on Thursday evening.
Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper Craig Gordon has come under repeated criticism since the club rejected a move to Premier League champions Chelsea back in January.
It has seen even seen Celtic icon Chris Sutton say that the Hoops need to sign a new goalkeeper, stating that he does not trust the former Sunderland stopper.
The Scotland international let four in against Astana in the second leg of Celtic’s Champions League play-off, letting a number of weak efforts fly past him.
If the Hoops are to complete another treble north of the border as well as going one better in the Champions League by qualifying for European football after Christmas, they need to get a new goalkeeper.
Step forward Robles, who has a strong record of one clean sheet in every three Premier League matches, stopping top-tier English sides 17 times in his 51 outings.
Known for his lofty frame, Robles is more than adept at coming to claim corners and crosses, something which Gordon was also criticised for during Scotland’s 2-2 draw against England in June.
With Celtic already spending a decent amount of cash this summer, including the £4.5million purchase of former Man City midfielder Olivier Ntcham, free transfers and loans are likely to be on the top of Rodgers’ agenda.
Robles could now become available for nothing if he and Everton can strike a deal in the next two days, and that should tempt Rodgers into luring the former Atletico Madrid stopper to Parkhead.