Celtic sent transfer warning in goalkeeper pursuit

The Sparta Prague goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Parkhead to replace Joe Hart after he retired at the end of the season.

However, reports in the Czech Republic have suggested Jensen will not be allowed to leave Sparta without a hefty transfer fee.

And it's further claimed that Sparta Prague are keen to keep hold of Jensen in their quest to reach the Champions League proper.

They enter the second qualifying round of the competition later this month and harbour ambitions of ending a 19-year wait to participate in the group phase.

It's thought Celtic have been making enquiries over a possible transfer swoop for the goalkeeper in recent weeks but Sparta have rebuffed approaches.

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iSport.cz report Celtic's interest remains and is 'very clear and strong' despite messages from Sparta sending signals that they're not interested in transfer talks.

Reports suggest Sparta will demand at least £8m to allow Jensen to leave the club for a move to Celtic.

However, the transfer position could reportedly change once Sparta's Champions League fate is decided.

The key factor could leave Celtic waiting until well into August with the play-off round of the Champions League not being played until August 20/21 with the return leg on August 27/28.