Celtic target reveals transfer talks DID happen as gutted star slams 'ridiculous' Kasper Schmeichel claim

FC Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo has revealed that he did hold talks about a potential move to Celtic last summer and admits he was "very sad" that a transfer did not materialise.

Following Joe Hart's retirement at the end of last season, Brendan Rodgers' side were linked with a whole host of names to replace the former Manchester City star, including Swiss stopper Mvogo. Eventually the Hoops did move to bring in Danish veteran Kasper Schmeichel on a free transfer from Anderlecht, but in an interview with Blick, Mvogo, 30, says Celtic were one of several clubs who were keen to sign him following Lorient's relegation from the top tier in France.

Asked about the Parkhead club's interest, the Switzerland cap replied: "Yes, there were a lot of offers. They all came relatively early. At that point I wanted to take my time with the decision. I couldn't have imagined how difficult the market would be during the summer. Many clubs wanted free goalkeepers or ones that could be loaned out. But I had a contract with Lorient, which meant a transfer fee would have been due.

“I’ll be honest, I was very sad about how things turned out. It wasn’t an easy time. I wanted to leave Lorient after relegation so that I could continue to compete and prove myself at the highest possible level. I knew it could be problematic if I played in the second division."

But the man who Celtic did land between the posts has made quite the impression in his first four months in Glasgow's East End. Schmeichel, 38, has kept 11 clean sheets in his 18 appearances in all competitions so far, including a superb display in a 2-0 away win against Kilmarnock before the international break.

And after bagging another shutout in Monday night's 0-0 draw away to Serbia