Yahoo News Celtic 'battling' with Championship clubs for Aston Villa goalkeeper transfer
Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo is reportedly on the radar of Scottish champions Celtic - as well as a host of Championship clubs - heading towards the summer transfer window.
The 6'3" Finland international joined Villa's academy as a 16-year-old, rising through the ranks before gaining experience out on loan. First he had a taste of football north of the border with Ayr United, then spent six months in League One with Burton Albion.
Now 22-years-old, he has spent the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Exeter City. They finished 13th in the third tier this campaign with Sinisalo keeping 14 clean sheets across 50 appearances in all competitions, earning him Exeter's players' player of the season award.
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His loan boss, Gary Caldwell, said : "I think it's brilliant that a loan player can come and connect with the club like he has. He turned up at half five at a gym at Newton Abbot and he was the first one there, after cancelling his holiday.
"I think that tells you everything you need to know about Vil, and I'm sure he'll go on to have an incredible career."
He is yet to make a first-team appearance for Villa despite his length of time at the club, so upon his return a serious question would need to be asked about his place amongst Unai Emery's goalkeeping hierarchy. Then to throw another conundrum into the mix, the Scottish Sun claim that he is being eyed as a Parkhead summer recruit.
They say Sinisalo's impressive performances for club and country have not gone unnoticed as The Bhoys prepare for a reshuffle between the sticks. Ex-England international Joe Hart is due to retire at the end of the campaign and so manager Brendan Rodgers is seeking out a long-term replacement.
Whilst the Scottish publication explains that Celtic would have to rival clubs from England's second tier for the goalkeeper's signature, no names of teams are mentioned at this stage. They believe with only one year remaining on his contract, the player would cost close to £3m.
If unable to sign the Villa man, then Liverpool back-up Caoimhin Kelleher and Leicester City title-winner Kasper Schmeichel have been named as suitable alternatives for Celtic in their search for a new No.1.
