Former Hibernian man and now pundit Tam McManus has admitted he’d 'be very surprised' if Celtic didn’t try to bring goalkeeper Ofir Marciano to Parkhead this summer.

The Lowdown: Celtic’s interest

Celtic have been linked with the 31-year-old in recent months. Reports back in March suggested that the Hoops were monitoring the Israel international following their goalkeeping woes this season.

The Hoops have used summer signing Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain and youngster Conor Hazard during the current campaign, with none of the three exactly establishing themselves as first-choice at Parkhead.

Marciano, who has been with Hibs since 2017, is out of contract in a matter of months and it looks as if the shot-stopper is a man in demand ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

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The Latest: Marciano 'has offers in Scotland'

Edinburgh Evening News were informed from a source close to the player that the goalkeeper 'has offers in Scotland', with Marciano already reportedly rejecting a return to his native country with Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

McManus gave his thoughts to the news on Twitter, saying:

“I’d be very surprised if Celtic didn’t try and get Marciano on a free. Can count on one hand the mistakes he has made at Hibs in 4-5 years. He is a better goalkeeper than any currently at Celtic IMO.”

The Verdict: One must go

Should Celtic firm up their recent interest in Marciano with a view to signing him on a free transfer, we feel as if one of Barkas, Bain or Hazard would need to make way.

Having four senior shot-stoppers to pick from could be too much for the new Hoops manager. Barkas only signed last year in a deal worth £4.5m and Hazard recently signed a new Celtic deal.

On that basis, should the Hoops want to stick with the big-money signing and young prospect, perhaps Bain could be the man to leave.

Celtic may not even be on the search for a new goalkeeper, but McManus would be very surprised if they didn’t make their move for Marciano, so it could be a move worth keeping an eye on.

In other news: 'We hear' - 62 y/o drops unconfirmed 'done deal' claim at Celtic, find out more here