Reports from the Daily Record appear to show a “top Four” English side are interested in the Celtic transfer target.
While previously reported that a potential deal was in the works for Fraser Forster to return to Parkhead on a renewed loan spell, as time moves on it seems less and less likely to take place.
This was further confirmed by reports that the English South Coast club had unfairly priced him out of the Hoops’ price range.
While the English keeper was a stud in goal for the Hoops this past season in his second Parkhead stint, it is at least clear that he likely has no future with his current squad, having been outplaced in the pecking order by the younger Alex McCarthy and Angus Gunn.
While a move to a larger English side could help Southampton’s budget, it would likely only hurt Forster, as he may not be viewed as up to snuff to start for a top squad in the English Premier League with the likes of de Gea, Ederson, Alisson and Leno. With 14 clean sheets for the Hoops during the abbreviated 2020 campaign, however, he has proven again that he is one of the top keepers in European football.
With the side not being named directly in the original report, Saints Marching has concluded through analysis at the club potentially being Leicester City or Manchester City, with their reasoning below:
"For this reason, and after taking contract situations into account, an educated guess at the unnamed club would be Manchester City.They have used both Richard Wright and Scott Carson as third-choice goalkeepers in the recent past to satisfy the homegrown quota rulings, and another England international in Forster would fit the same bill.The Citizens look to be losing Claudio Bravo on a free transfer at the end of this season, and Scott Carson is only on-loan from Derby County. Young goalkeeper Arijanet Muric will be returning from a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, meaning Forster could arrive in Manchester as the second or third-choice shot-stopper.Another option could be Leicester City, who will be looking for backup to Kasper Schmeichel if Eldin Jakupovic is allowed to leave for free at the conclusion of this campaign."
While Manchester City could very well be interested, it would come as no surprise to see Brendan Rodgers attempt to steal away a star from his former Parkhead squad. With Leicester City currently in the 3rd spot with their league set to resume play in the coming weeks, it could mean the potential for Champions League football for Forster next season. Unlikely to steal a starting spot from Schmeichel, however, he would be much more likely to see consistent playing time with a return to Celtic Park.
Another potentially interested squad could be Chelsea, with the West London side reportedly in the market for a keeper after a disappointing season from 25-year old Kepa Arrizabalaga and already showing their willingness to spend this summer. The Spanish keeper, seen as a top goalkeeping prospect, still needs to develop, and Forster would provide a great mentorship to the young player.