Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster is set to leave for free next summer in what has been described by Hampshire Live as a massive boost to Celtic.
The Lowdown: Forster links
The Hoops have bolstered their goalkeeping ranks this summer with the signing of Joe Hart for just over £1m.
He’s played every minute under Ange Postecoglou since arriving from Tottenham, however, before his arrival, Celtic were linked with a move for Forster.
Reports last month suggested that Forster wouldn’t be allowed to depart St Mary’s, but that has all changed going forward.
The Latest: Free transfer
Hampshire Live shared a story on Wednesday, claiming Forster is set to leave next summer on a free transfer when his contract expired.
The report labels it as a massive boost to Celtic, with Forster, described as ‘unbelievable’ by Scott Bain, a long-term target for the Hoops.
The Verdict: Avoid
Even though Dominic McKay will now have the chance in January to tie up a pre-contract agreement for Forster ahead of a free transfer the following summer, Celtic should avoid any deal.
They already have Hart, Bain, Vasilis Barkas and Conor Hazard on the books, so don’t need to add a fifth shot-stopper on £70,000-a-week.
If they hadn’t secured Hart and Ange Postecoglou had the same troubles as Neil Lennon did deciding between Bain, Barkas or Hazard, then perhaps a New Year swoop for Forster could have been a shrewd call, but not now.
It appears as if Celtic may still be keeping tabs on Forster, though, with Hampshire Live continuing to link Forster with another return to Parkhead, so it could be one to keep an eye on over the course of the season.