Celtic target Dinko Horkas asks to leave Las Palmas, president confirms

Celtic have received a boost in their pursuit of Croatian goalkeeper Dinko Horkas after Las Palmas president Miguel Angel Ramirez confirmed the 27-year-old has asked to leave this summer. Horkas has become a primary target for Martin O'Neill's side as Celtic look to replace Kasper Schmeichel, who decided to retire after the 2025-26 season. The Scottish club have already made their first official bid and want to complete the deal before Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September. Ramirez, though, has made it clear Las Palmas will not accept the current offer. Celtic have proposed €4m paid over four years, but the Spanish club want €5m and 50% of any future transfer fee. "Horkas is a player for Las Palmas who has asked the club to let him leave," Ramirez said. "The club won't let him go because the only offer we have isn't attractive." The president also revealed that Horkas has told the club he no longer feels strong or motivated, mentioning an offer from the Emirates that would have been a lifesaver. Ramirez even joked that if the keeper does not want to play, he could help mark the pitch or set up the nets. "He says it will be difficult for him to continue playing for Las Palmas," Ramirez added. "He has a contract with Las Palmas and will remain if the offer he has doesn't meet Las Palmas' demand. We're talking about €5m. They're offering us €4m to be paid over 4 years. We're asking for €5m and 50% of any future transfer fee." Celtic have so far added Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt and Camilo Duran from Qarabag this summer, while the new Scottish Premiership season is already underway. Rangers, in contrast, have signed nine new players, including Hearts pair Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin on Bosman deals.