Celtic’s top goalkeeper target revealed after Forster blow

Celtic’s new top goalkeeper target has been revealed after fresh blow in the transfer chase for Southampton’s Fraser Forster.

Celtic will be hoping that they can bring back Fraser Forster to Parkhead next season after the English keeper reestablished himself as the number 1 between the sticks at the club. Unfortunately though he was only on a season-long loan and now The Hoops have the task of reaching a deal with Southampton to sign him on a permanent basis or on another loan deal.

But with the number of obstacles that have been thrown in the path of the deal, it won’t be very surprising if Celtic’s attempts to bring back Forster fail. After all, it has been rumoured that Southampton are looking for an astronomical £10 million with Chelsea and Arsenal also interested.

Now new reports suggest that the club might even end up giving Forster the chance to win back his place at St Mary’s. And as a result, Celtic might be turning their attention towards Joe Hart as the transfer saga continues to drag on. As reported by The Telegraph:

"Celtic will consider a move for Joe Hart should they fail in their attempt to get Fraser Forster back on loan.Neil Lennon would like Forster, 32, on another season-long deal from Southampton after he returned to Parkhead and helped them win the Scottish Premiership title.But Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is set to look at Forster in pre-season as he assesses his goalkeeping options, with Alex McCarthy now ahead of Angus Gunn in the pecking order but guilty of an error this week against Arsenal.Hart will come into Lennon’s thinking should a deal not arise for Forster to sign for Celtic a fourth time."

The fact of the matter is that Forster is 32 years old and it makes no sense for Celtic to spend that kind of money on him. If Southampton as going to drag this on for the foreseeable future, it is only reasonable that the Hoops start drawing up other targets as well.

Hart has not featured in an EPL game this season and has made only 3 appearances for Burnley. And considering that he is on a hefty contract, they are eager to let go of him. As a result, there is an opening for Celtic to swoop in.

Of course, Hart will have to take a significant paycut but it is undeniable that he is a spectacular keeper. And while he has not been very active in recent years, Forster just showed that that is not a problem for truly great keepers. Thus, Celtic should not think twice before grabbing the free agent.