Celtic enter battle with Sheffield Wednesday and QPR over star as problem may be solved in 'bargain' transfer
Sheffield Wednesday and QPR have also been linked with the possible Celtic target.
Celtic have been linked with a move for a Premiership star also attracting interest from the likes of QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.
Jon McCracken has been Dundee’s number one this season, having signed for the club from Norwich City in 2024, and has made 32 Premiership appearances this term, featuring versus the Hoops in Sunday’s 2-1 victory for Martin O’Neill’s men. It’s now been claimed that with his contract running down, Celtic are eyeing his signature for their own, amid issues in the shot-stopping ranks.
Kasper Schmeichel has suffered a potentially career-ending shoulder injury and is out of contract at the end of the season with performances prior to that this term criticised in part. Viljami Sinisalo has since stepped up as number one but it leaves them short of options and McCracken could be turned to, however, options in England at the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and QPR are reportedly present.
What clubs want to sign Jon McCracken?
It’s been stated by transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider: “Celtic are keen to explore the possibility of a move to sign Dundee FC goalkeeper Jon McCracken on a free transfer this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
“The Bhoys are desperate to add further quality to their goalkeeping department ahead of next season, and it is understood that the 25-year-old is among a number of candidates that they are assessing at the moment. Sources say that at least one new goalkeeping addition will be made to provide competition for Viljami Sinisalo.
“Celtic’s transfer plans have seen a new shot-stopper fall at the forefront of their thinking for several weeks, and they may now be about to hone in on their man. McCracken is a target for English Championship clubs, with Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers all keen to make a move for him. The gloveman’s imminent availability has alerted several clubs south of the border to the prospect of a bargain deal, and a significant transfer race appears set to ensue as a result.”
What have Dundee said about keeping Jon McCracken?
Boss Steven Pressley said last week that he was hopeful of keeping McCracken at Dens beyond the summer. The former Celtic, Hearts and Rangers defender said: “We want to keep Jon. I’ve said numerous times that stability around the playing staff is very important. If you want to create the right culture, if you want to continuously improve the team then stability of squad is vital.
“You want to be making as few changes as possible every window. There’s still a lot of growth in Jon, he’s performed really well this season on a consistent basis. This has been his first full season of playing every week so there’s a lot more to come from him and that excites me.
“He’s an important player and an important personality within the group. I hope we can retain his services but only time will tell. The club have spoken to Jon and told him what we hope to do and there’s a real interest in trying to get a deal done.”
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