Tjark Ernst left out of Hertha squad as Celtic interest continues | OneFootball

Hertha BSC goalkeeper Tjark Ernst appears to be edging closer to a summer departure after being omitted from the squad for Wednesday’s pre-season victory over Lichtenberg.

The 23-year-old was expected to feature after head coach Stefan Leitl indicated he would start the friendly, but instead watched from the stands as Hertha cruised to a 9-0 win over the fifth-tier outfit.

His unexpected absence has fuelled fresh speculation over an imminent transfer, with Celtic remaining among the clubs monitoring the highly-rated shot-stopper.

Ernst recently turned down a move to Wolfsburg despite lengthy discussions, while Feyenoord are now believed to be leading the race for his signature.

According to the Berliner Kurier, Leitl had previously stated that Ernst was due to return between the sticks against Lichtenberg.

The report also claims interested clubs, including Celtic, are “haggling” over the transfer fee despite Ernst having a €5 million release clause in his contract.

Borussia Monchengladbach have also retained their interest after identifying the goalkeeper as a potential addition following last season’s Bundesliga campaign.

Celtic entered the picture last month as they stepped up plans to replace the retired Kasper Schmeichel, with Ernst emerging as one of the names under consideration.

The German goalkeeper enhanced his reputation with a string of standout displays in Bundesliga 2 last season, producing some of the division’s strongest shot-stopping statistics.

Ernst also earned two appearances for Germany’s Under-21 side during the last campaign and is now entering his second season as Hertha’s first-choice goalkeeper.

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