Celtic-linked player previously deemed ‘one of the best in the world’ appears open to Hoops move

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Reported Celtic target Claudio Bravo has addressed speculation linking him with Neil Lennon’s side, in conversation with 24 Horas – and it’s positive news for the Hoops.

The 37-year-old is free to leave Manchester City at the end of the extended Premier League season, having agreed to remain at the club as his original contract was set to expire next week.

Bravo has been at the Etihad Stadium since 2016, when he joined from Barcelona for a reported £17million fee, and has made 60 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Chile international has found game time hard to come by this season, however, with just 16 appearances in all competitions including four in the English Premier League.

With Ederson now the undisputed number one at City, Bravo is set to leave for pastures new, and as well as Celtic, Arsenal and Galatasaray have been linked with his services, plus some teams in his home country.

Addressing speculation linking him with those teams, Bravo told Chilean outlet 24 Horas, as transcribed by the Daily Record: “There is nowhere in the world I would not consider playing.

“I’ve read the names of the clubs that have been linked with me and I regard that as an honour because they are very good clubs. I’m proud that I have attracted interest from the clubs mentioned.

“What I and my family are looking for is a club with stability and a comfortable environment to live. It depends on several factors, it depends on the club and the project that the club has. I will consider all my options and make a decision soon.”

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Bravo is a high-calibre veteran goalkeeper with a glittering CV which includes two Copa America trophies, a Champions League and two La Liga titles.

Guardiola has sung his praises multiple times, previously telling Press Association – via The Guardian – that he is a “top player, a top goalkeeper…. one of the best in the world.”

Celtic, meanwhile, are on the lookout for a new keeper, with Fraser Forster set to return to Southampton as things stand, and Craig Gordon out of contract.

Bravo would be a superb asset for Lennon and co, and it’s good to hear him suggest that he’s open to a switch to Parkhead.