Celtic are currently in some real need for a new number one, and he could be available in the form of Fraser Forster.
Craig Gordon has struggled to convince over the last couple of years. Under Brendan Rodgers, the Hoops number one has consistently struggled to adapt his game playing out from the back.
Many were keen to give the former Hearts goalkeeper the required time to practice in this area, but it’s still not working out.
Credit must go to Gordon, who’s managed to see off challenges from Dorus de Vries and Scott Bain. But, despite his occasionally top shot-stopping displays, his poor distribution means that it’s only a matter of time before he’s replaced.
And Celtic should make a late launch for Leeds United-bound Forster.
The Saints goalkeeper has recently been put up for sale by Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. Choosing the likes of Alex McCarthy and Angus Gunn over Forster, he’s been dropped way down the pecking order.
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Injuries and poor form for Saints have led to his stock falling since leaving Celtic back in 2014. The Hoops bagged £10million for his services five years ago, and could get him for a cut-price deal.
Forster isn’t guaranteed first-team football at Leeds United
Unfortunately, it does look as though Leeds United are making their move for him as we speak. The Championship outfit see Forster as the perfect competition for Bailey Peacock-Farrel. But there’s no guarantees there of first-team football.
If Forster comes to Celtic and shows some of the same form that earned him his big move, he would be first-choice easily.
The biggest concern over a Forster return would have to be his distribution. It was his weakest link during his time at Parkhead, but did improve massively in his final stages at the club.
The man famously hailed by the Spanish media as Celtic’s “Great Wall” is free to return to Paradise once more.
Of course, some fans are quite happy with Gordon as it is. Many believe his shot-stopping abilities are of the required standard, and that he’s nowhere near a priority for a replacement.
But Forster being available for a cheap price must be tempting. Celtic would be getting a proven goalkeeper who worked wonders up here.
Injuries may have curtailed him, with his last appearance coming back in Boxing Day 2017. Forster, however, deserves the chance to show us what he’s got.
If a deal worked out and he found his form again? What a coup that would be.