Celtic are in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Balazs Toth as they attempt to complete a deal before the UCL play-off.

Celtic are reportedly making significant progress in their pursuit of Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth, with the Scottish champions said to be in advanced negotiations over a potential transfer.

The Parkhead club have identified the Hungary international as a leading target as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping department following Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement.

Celtic are keen to provide greater competition for current first-choice goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, while Ross Doohan is presently occupying the backup role. Should Toth arrive at Parkhead, Doohan would likely move down the pecking order and become the club’s third-choice goalkeeper.

Celtic target Balazs Toth (Image: Kieran McManus/Shutterstock)

The potential transfer is developing quickly, particularly with Celtic preparing for a crucial Champions League play-off tie.

Toth emerges as Celtic target

Toth has reportedly been one of Celtic’s preferred goalkeeping targets for some time as the club searches for a suitable replacement and competitor following Schmeichel’s decision to retire.

The 28-year-old currently plays for Blackburn Rovers and has established himself as an experienced goalkeeper at Ewood Park.

However, his future at Blackburn has become uncertain because his existing contract has only one year remaining.

Toth has reportedly decided against extending his stay with the Championship club and instead wants to pursue a new opportunity elsewhere.

That situation has opened the door for Celtic to attempt to secure his signature this summer.

Blackburn are understood to be seeking approximately £4 million for the Hungarian goalkeeper, despite the fact that he has entered the final year of his current agreement.

Celtic reportedly lead the race

There is competition for Toth’s signature, with clubs from outside Britain also believed to be monitoring his situation.

Udinese and Hamburg have both been linked with the goalkeeper, meaning Celtic are not the only club interested in acquiring his services.

However, Hungarian publication NemzetiSport has reported that Celtic have moved ahead of the competition and are now in advanced talks over a deal.

That development could represent a significant boost for Brendan Rodgers and his recruitment team as they look to complete their goalkeeping plans before the Champions League play-off.

Celtic are reportedly eager to bring in their new goalkeeper as quickly as possible, with the timing of the transfer particularly important.

Champions League deadline adds urgency

The Hoops are preparing for a crucial Champions League play-off against LASK, with the first leg scheduled for Wednesday.

The importance of the tie means Celtic would ideally like to have their new goalkeeper available as soon as possible.

If negotiations with Blackburn are already at an advanced stage, the Scottish champions could now attempt to accelerate the process and get Toth through the door before the European fixture.

Celtic’s Champions League ambitions are an important factor in their recruitment strategy, and adding an experienced goalkeeper could give the squad additional depth at a key position.

With Schmeichel no longer available, the club need to ensure they have sufficient quality between the posts for what could be a demanding campaign.

Blackburn boss responds

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray has also addressed the situation surrounding Toth.

Mowbray, who has previous connections with Celtic as both a player and manager, admitted that he had heard from an external agent that Blackburn were preparing to sell the goalkeeper.

The manager appeared to accept that Toth could be on his way out of Ewood Park, particularly if the player has his heart set on a move that offers him the opportunity to compete for major trophies and play in Europe.

Mowbray was philosophical when discussing the goalkeeper’s potential departure.

He explained that if Toth wanted to move elsewhere, win cups and trophies and experience Champions League football, it would be difficult for him to stand in the player’s way.

Mowbray ultimately wished the goalkeeper well and appeared to recognise that the opportunity could represent an important step in Toth’s career.

Why Toth appeals to Celtic

Celtic’s interest in Toth is understandable given the current situation within their goalkeeping department.

The retirement of Schmeichel has left the club needing to strengthen their options, while Sinisalo is expected to remain an important part of the squad.

Bringing in Toth would provide another experienced option and could create genuine competition for the starting position.

At 28, Toth also offers a balance between experience and the potential for several productive seasons ahead.

His contract situation could make the deal more complicated, however. Blackburn have reportedly placed a £4 million valuation on the goalkeeper, despite his refusal to sign a new contract.

Celtic will therefore need to decide whether they are prepared to meet that asking price or negotiate a lower fee based on the player’s contract situation.

Celtic pushing for a deal

The reported advanced talks suggest Celtic are serious about completing the transfer.

With the Champions League play-off approaching rapidly, there is little time for the club to waste if they want Toth involved in their European plans.

A successful agreement would give Celtic another experienced goalkeeper and help strengthen the squad ahead of a crucial period.

The interest from Udinese and Hamburg means the Hoops will also be aware that they cannot afford to allow negotiations to drag on indefinitely.

If NemzetiSport’s report is accurate and Celtic have moved to the front of the queue, the Scottish champions will now hope their position can translate into a completed agreement.

A potentially important addition

For Toth, a move to Celtic would offer the chance to compete for domestic honours while also potentially playing Champions League football.

That opportunity appears to be exactly the type of challenge Mowbray believes the goalkeeper is seeking.

Celtic, meanwhile, would be adding an experienced international goalkeeper at a time when strengthening the position has become a priority.

With the LASK play-off looming, the next few days could therefore prove decisive.

If Celtic can agree terms with Blackburn and complete the transfer quickly, Toth could become the latest addition to their squad and provide vital competition for Sinisalo.

For now, the goalkeeper remains a Blackburn player, but reports of advanced negotiations suggest his future could soon be decided.

Celtic have reportedly moved into pole position, and with Champions League football potentially at stake, Rodgers’ side will be eager to get the deal over the line.