German club issue transfer stance over Celtic-linked ace but rival club 'very optimistic' of striking deal
Goalkeeper with £4m price tag weighing up offers ahead of making decision on his future
Hertha Berlin sporting director Peter Gorlich admits he has been inundated with enquires over in-demand goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, amid links to Celtic, Wolfsburg and Ajax.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper - a former Germany youth international - has been attracting serious transfer interest from clubs across Europe after keeping an impressive 12 clean sheets in 37 appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga 2. side last season.
Ernst still has 12 months remaining on his current deal and has a £4m price tag. He has returned to pre-season training this week with Berlin, who are determined to tie him down on a long-term contract.
As speculation grows over his future, with the Scottish champions facing stiff competition for his signature, Ernst is expected to make a final decision on his next steps in the coming days.
And Berlin chief Gorlich declared: “I've been on the phone so much about Tjark that I've lost track of who was actually on the line. We are the player's contractual partner. He's still here.
“But of course, a goalkeeper like him, who already has such charisma at such a young age, attracts interest from other clubs. Tjark also knows what he has with us, what position he can play here in the future. We'll see what the various parties decide.
“This weighing-up of options is never easy. Firstly, we're talking about people and secondly, we're talking about key squad positions.”
In-demand German goalkeeper weighing up transfer offers
Hertha boss Stefan Leitl also commented on Ernst when quizzed on his future by local media, confessing there are offers on the table that are being weighed up by the player.
“Yes, of course I want as many players as possible to stay,” he replied. “But I think the situation is quite clear. There have apparently been offers for him.
“I believe Tjark is now in a position to make a decision. And we'll wait for that. And we have to prepare ourselves for either outcome. But I hope he stays.”
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is in the market for another keeper following Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement. Yet reports in Germany have suggested that Hertha have already accepted a bid from Wolfsburg, whose sporting director Dieter Hecking claims it’s now in the player’s hands.
Speaking to Wolfsburger Allgemeine Aller-Zeitung, he said: “We’re still very optimistic that Tjark will say yes to us. We’re hoping for a decision soon.”