Andriy Lunin Celtic transfer latest as Real Madrid to make January decision

Andriy Lunin Celtic transfer latest as Real Madrid to make January decision

The Ukrainian shotstopper is out of contract at the end of the season

Real Madrid shotstopper Andriy Lunin (Image: Getty Images)

Celtic’s hopes of landing Real Madrid shotstopper Andriy Lunin could become much clearer next month.

The Ukrainian goalkeeper was linked with a move to Parkhead in the summer and is thought to feature on a list of potential long-term replacements for Joe Hart. But any departure from the Bernabeu could depend upon whether or not he’ll be handed the gloves by boss Carlo Ancelotti for the second part of the season.

The 24-year-old has excelled between the sticks for Madrid over the last couple of months, with on-loan keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga out injured. And with first-choice Thibaut Courtois likely to miss the entire campaign as he battles back from an ACL injury, both Kepa and Lunin are competing for the No1 jersey.

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Out of contract at the end of the season, Lunin’s preference would be to stay with the Spanish heavyweights but the goalie won’t be short of interest from elsewhere as he seeks more game time. He’ll be able to open pre-contract talks with other clubs from January 1 with the view to joining on bargain a free transfer in the summer.

Hoops veteran Hart, 36, is expected to call time on his three years in Glasgow come May with Brendan Rodgers actively looking for a new goalkeeper. And while Lunin would fit the bill, his future could depend on who Ancelotti puts his trust in for 2024. Kepa was back in goals for last night’s La Liga victory away to Alaves, keeping a clean sheet, and Ancelotti has confirmed he’ll now decide who will start for him in the New Year.

Speaking before last night’s clash, Ancelotti said: “I don’t intend on rotating in goal. They are both doing well. Lunin has progressed a lot and has shown a lot of confidence and Kepa has maintained his level. When Kepa returned from injury, I wanted to reward both of them. Tomorrow Kepa will play, and in the second part of the season I will choose one of the two.”

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