Altay Bayindir 'set' for Celtic transfer as Man Utd keeper lined up as Joe Hart replacement

Celtic look set to bring their Joe Hart successor search to an end by landing Manchester United understudy Altay Bayindir, according to a report.

The 26-year-old - who has been capped eight times for his national team Turkey - made the switch to Old Trafford from Fenerbahce last year as he battled for the gloves with Andre Onana following the exit of club hero and long-serving David De Gea.

He played largely second fiddle all season for Erik ten Hag's side as the Dutchman kept faith with big money capture Onana. A series of high profile errors and blunders didn't affect his selection with Bayindir making just one appearance in the FA Cup fourth round against Newport County. United went on to lift the Cup by dumping rivals Manchester City at Wembley but he was a spectator from the bench – a role he's largely held all season.

Now Turkish media outlet Aksam reports that the man who joined United for £4.3million is heading out of England and they state his next destination is Scotland. They write that "Celtic is preparing to add Altay Bayindir to its squad to replace Joe Hart, who retired from football. The Scottish team plans to sign a four-year contract with the 26-year-old goalkeeper".

Brendan Rodgers has been linked with a host of names in his search for a new No1. Koen Casteels was one but he looks set for a switch to the Saudi Pro League on a free while Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher has been a name that's never gone away. However, Bayindir is a new name to enter the frame as he looks to get back to playing week in, week out.