Celtic handed huge transfer boost as top target makes contract decision

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Celtic are on high alert following reports that Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth is refusing to sign a new contract at Ewood Park.

The 29-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Martin O’Neill’s side over the summer, and it’s understood that he was their top goalkeeper target amid their pursuit of a new shot-stopper to replace the retired Kasper Schmeichel.

However, the Hoops were unable to finalise an agreement with Blackburn and they eventually completed the loan signing of Sam Johnstone from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Viljami Sinisalo retaining his place as the club’s number one.

Toth has started eight of Blackburn’s 11 Championship games so far this season, but he is eager to leave the club next year and he is refusing to sign a new contract, as per transfer reporter Alan Nixon (via The Herald).

It’s understood that Toth has been offered a contract extension by the Rovers hierarchy, however he currently has no interest in putting pen to paper on fresh terms, and an exit on a Bosman deal is therefore highly likely.

As a result, this could allow Celtic to swoop with a pre-contract agreement in January, with Toth then joining the club on a free transfer next summer.

Tony Mowbray provides Balazs Toth update

While Toth is currently reluctant to sign a new contract at Blackburn, manager Tony Mowbray is keen to persuade the Hungary international to extend his stay at Ewood Park.

“I get on well with Balazs. I still don't think it's a done deal that he'd be leaving,” he told reporters earlier this month.

“I know his contractual situation is what it is and it's running down. I'm pretty sure there are conversations being had and, if at any stage I can get involved to help the situation, I will.

“I was a footballer for 20 years. I've got my own thoughts that I can share with Balazs if need be. But at the same time, I fully understand football is a short career and he's got a family.

“If somebody's going to help change his life financially, then good luck to him. It's only his performances that get him a move to a place that can pay those salaries.

“With the relationship I've got with him, I can try and persuade him that this is the best place for him.”

Mowbray added: “If a club with the resources to blow this club's financial structure out of the water comes in, history tells you people move on, and good luck to footballers.

“I never bad-mouth them or fall out with them because they think they can get a better move and a better deal for their families.

“Balazs is an amazing lad, an amazing guy and an amazing goalkeeper. The save where he stretched his left arm and fingered one around the post the other night was incredible, and he did it two or three times. Nobody's getting carried away with winning 1-0 at Bristol because, without the right goalkeeper making those saves, we could have lost 3-1 or 4-1.

“But I'm happy he's still here, working hard, doing the job and giving the impression that he's loving playing for this team and helping us win games.”