Celtic accelerate pursuit of Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas as Saudi club enters race

Celtic are stepping up their efforts to sign Las Palmas goalkeeper Dinko Horkas, but the Scottish champions face a growing list of complications as they look to replace the retired Kasper Schmeichel. The Hoops have made the 27-year-old Croatian youth international their top target between the posts after Schmeichel hung up his gloves at the end of last season following a serious shoulder injury. While Viljami Sinisalo remains an option, the club clearly feel they need another high-quality addition. Las Palmas, however, are demanding up to €10 million for Horkas, who is under contract until 2027. The Spanish second-tier side have been firm on that valuation, and their negotiating position has been strengthened by the arrival of an unnamed Saudi Arabian club into the chase. That development has forced Celtic to accelerate their pursuit, as the financial muscle of teams from the Kingdom can quickly reshape any deal. According to reports in Spain, Celtic have been the most active club in trying to get a deal over the line, but they now face serious competition. Las Palmas president Miguel Angel Ramirez publicly scolded interested parties at a recent press conference, insisting they had started talks on the wrong foot. "We know there are interested clubs," Ramirez said. "But they've started on the wrong foot because they are negotiating with him without negotiating with us." Celtic are believed to be offering around €5m, well short of the Las Palmas valuation. However, the situation is complicated further by Horkas reportedly requesting a transfer. Previous suitors such as Olympiacos, Torino and Levante did not progress their interest as far as Celtic have. The Spanish club are keen to resolve the goalkeeper's future quickly, but they feel financially secure enough not to sell at a discount. If Celtic can fend off the Saudi interest and find a middle ground with Las Palmas, a deal could still be struck. The Parkhead side have already agreed a club-record fee for Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Hogh, but the Horkas saga looks set to dominate the remainder of their window.