The race to become Scottish champions next year is already very much underway.

While Rangers have aspirations of kicking on next term and providing viable competition, the target at Parkhead is much more ambitious.

Coming away as Champions next term will mean that Celtic have made in 10 titles in a row - something that their rivals will certainly find difficult to stomach.

However if the Bhoys are to do that then they'll need to make sure that they make a success of the summer's transfer market.

The top priority has to be signing a goalkeeper and it seems that work has already started to address the issue.

According to Football Insider, Celtic are closing in on a deal for Joe Hart.

The Burnley stopper, who is valued at £2.1million by Transfermarkt, is out of contract this summer and is therefore looking for a new club ahead of the new season.

Neil Lennon's side have been heavily linked with a move for Fraser Forster this summer after he returned to Southampton following his loan spell at Parkhead.

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While Forster was regarded as the first choice target, it seems that the club are now pressing ahead with a move for Hart.

It's claimed that while an agreement is yet to be reached, Neil Lennon has had a number of positive conversations with the goalkeeper and his representatives.

Speaking of the move for Hart, Frank McAvennie believes that while he may be lacking confidence, he could still be a shred move for Neil Lennon.

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said: “Lenny might say enough is enough and get somebody else.

“Hart has had his day but they do need somebody with experience if they are going to go for this 10 because Scott Bain is not who I want for next season.

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“Hart is not very good with the ball at his feet but Lenny just wants his goalkeepers to keep the ball out of the net. He will not want him to come out and play as a centre-half.

“It would be a gamble him coming up.

"This is a big year and the pressure will be immense. But saying that Hart has been the number one for England so he’s got experience.

“Pep bamboozled him a bit and his confidence was shot when he came to West Ham.”

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

The signing of Joe Hart would be a heck of deal.

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Considering he's available on a free transfer, Celtic will be doing very well to sign the former England stopper on a free transfer.

While he's endured a frustrating time of late, the goalkeeper is undoubtedly a top goalkeeper who is perhaps lacking in confidence.

You'd think that he still has a lot to offer at the highest level, and a more to Celtic could be the ideal move to get his career back on track.

I'd expect Hart to be a big success in Scotland, and if the Forster deal fell through, he could be a very shrewd addition.