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The Celtic goalkeeping ‘target’ has been informed that he is not part of the club’s future plans in an honest update.

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Celtic Goalkeeping Target Told He Has No Future at Wolves in Frank Update

Celtic may have received a significant boost in their reported interest in Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone after manager Cesar Peixoto confirmed that the experienced shot-stopper is not part of his plans for the future.

The 33-year-old England international has reportedly emerged as one of the goalkeeping options being considered by Celtic as the Parkhead club looks to strengthen its competition for the starting position.

Johnstone is understood to be among the players Celtic are monitoring as they seek additional competition for Viljami Sinisalo between the posts. With Wolves now making it clear that Johnstone is not expected to play a role in their long-term plans, a potential route towards a move to Glasgow could have opened.

However, the goalkeeper remains involved in training with the Wolves first-team squad for the time being.

Peixoto Gives Honest Update on Johnstone

Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto has been particularly open about Johnstone’s current situation, explaining that the decision is not a reflection of a lack of respect for the player.

The Portuguese manager stressed that he maintains the same level of honesty with Johnstone that he does with every member of his squad.

Peixoto explained that footballers should always be treated as people first, pointing out that many players have families and children who are affected by decisions made about their careers.

He said: “I have the same conversations and the same honesty with Sam I have with all the players. Before they are a player, they are a man, with families and kids. We have to respect the person.”

The comments demonstrate that, while Johnstone’s future at Wolves appears increasingly uncertain, the club is still allowing him to train alongside his teammates.

Johnstone Still Training With Wolves

Although Johnstone has effectively been informed that he will not be included in Wolves’ future plans, he has not been completely removed from the first-team environment.

The goalkeeper continues to train with the squad, giving him the opportunity to maintain his fitness while his representatives and the club consider what comes next.

Peixoto acknowledged that decisions surrounding squad building can sometimes be difficult, particularly when an experienced player is told that he is no longer required.

The manager explained that his responsibility is to make decisions that he believes will ultimately help create a stronger squad and a better team.

“I have to talk with them honestly and tell them what is my decision or that of the club to build a strong team,” Peixoto said.

“Sometimes you have to take difficult decisions in order to build a better team or good group.”

Those comments underline the fact that Johnstone’s situation appears to be based on Wolves’ plans for the composition of their squad rather than any immediate disciplinary issue.

Celtic Could See an Opportunity

For Celtic, the development could prove particularly interesting.

The Scottish club are reportedly looking for a goalkeeper capable of providing stronger competition for Sinisalo, and Johnstone’s experience could make him an appealing option.

At 33, Johnstone has considerable experience of English football and has represented England at international level.

His availability could therefore provide Celtic with an opportunity to bring in a goalkeeper who understands the demands of high-level football and could compete for the starting position.

Celtic have already been active in the transfer market, but the goalkeeper position remains an area where additional depth could be valuable.

The club will need to assess whether Johnstone fits the profile they want and whether the financial terms of any potential agreement would make sense.

Wolves Have Made Their Position Clear

While there may be uncertainty over where Johnstone will play next, Peixoto has made Wolves’ position very clear.

The goalkeeper is still permitted to train with the team, but he will not be part of the club’s plans going forward.

Peixoto reiterated that he tries to maintain an open relationship with his players and believes that everyone deserves to know where they stand.

“All the time I am very clear, honest and direct with the players and all the people in the club,” the Wolves manager said.

He then delivered the clearest indication yet of Johnstone’s situation: “He (Johnstone) is still training with the team but won’t be part of the team for the future.”

That statement could encourage potential suitors to explore the goalkeeper’s availability.

A Potential Celtic Solution

Celtic’s reported interest in Johnstone now appears particularly logical given the latest development at Wolves.

The Parkhead club want competition for Sinisalo, while Wolves have openly stated that Johnstone does not feature in their long-term plans.

That combination could potentially create favourable circumstances for negotiations.

Johnstone would also bring experience to a Celtic squad looking to compete domestically and make progress in European competition.

However, no move has been confirmed, and Celtic will have to decide whether the experienced goalkeeper is the right candidate to strengthen their options.

For now, Johnstone remains part of Wolves’ training group despite being excluded from their future plans.

Peixoto’s unusually direct comments have nevertheless removed much of the uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper’s situation.

With Celtic reportedly keeping an eye on developments, the coming days could determine whether Johnstone’s next destination is Parkhead.

If Celtic decide to act, they could potentially secure an experienced England international who has effectively been made available by his current club.

For Johnstone, meanwhile, the priority will be finding a new opportunity where he can once again compete regularly for a first-team position.

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