Celtic are one of the teams showing interest in Hertha BSC goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, and the battle for his signature is underway.
BILD reports that the fight The 23-year-old's signing is 'becoming more and more exciting' and Celtic have a side in the mix.
€5m release clause
According to the newspaper, a deal has been finalized with Wolfsburg. But now other contenders have also come into the picture.
Ajax are one of those names, while Celtic have also 'joined the race'. Meanwhile, Hertha are trying to keep him at the club. However, this is considered a long shot.
That four-way battle is not entering its 'decisive phase' because the goalkeeper has a 'special release clause'.
If the buying club is in one of the top five leagues in Europe or competes in international competitions, he is allowed to go for €5m. There is no time limit for this section. It can be applied till the end of the window.
celtic most attractive
Celtic and Glasgow are seen as the most attractive options for youngsters. They are looking for a new replacement to replace Kasper Schmeichel and could also be offered Champions League football. International football would be a 'certainty' for him if he even made the move to Celtic Park.
However, Hertha would not go down without a fight. He has outlined a long-term plan for him that will see him as the number one. And they are going public with their desire to keep him with them too.
Manager Stephen Lytle said, "Of course I would like him to stay with us. But there has been an enquiry. Tjark now has to make a decision one way or the other."
Managing director Peter Görlich said, "We are contractual partners of the player. He is still here."
"A goalkeeper who shows such charisma at such a young age naturally attracts interest. But he also knows what he has in him and what role he can play here. We will see what the parties decide. We are ready; we will not be left in the lurch."
