Stoke City have joined Celtic in the race for goalkeeper Scott Bain’s signature in the summer, according to The Sun.
The newspaper claim that Paul Lambert’s side will try to sign the 26-year-old when his contract expires at the end of the season, even if Jack Butland stays at the club.
The Sun report that the Potters are looking at their options in case Butland leaves the club with Arsenal and Liverpool interested in signing him.
However competition for Bain’s services is believed to be high with Wolves, Hearts, Hibernian and Hearts all accredited with an interest in recruiting him.
Bain is currently on loan at the Hoops after joining from Dundee in January, and he has impressed many in the two appearances he has made for Brendan Rodgers’ side so far.
The 26-year-old recently spoke about staying at Parkhead beyond the end of this season, and practically issued a come-and-get-me-plea to the Hoops by sharing his desire to stay.
“I would love to be here. I’ve loved every minute of being at this club and the fans have been fantastic with me,” said the goalkeeper, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“I would like it to be here as this club has got everything for me to improve, I’d love to stay here and if I continue to play well then it stands me in good stead.”
Good move for Celtic?
Bain would be a good signing for the Bhoys, but they will not be happy to hear that a side from the English Premier League have joined the race for his signature.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper, despite only appearing twice, has already proven that he could replace Craig Gordon in the long-term at the club.
Rodgers will no doubt be keen to find a successor to Gordon shortly, as the 35-year-old can’t be too far off retirement.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
All signs point to the Hoops permanently signing Bain when his contract ends in the summer.
The goalkeeper has expressed his desire to stay at the club, while Rodgers has also previously publicly spoken of his willingness to keep the 26-year-old where he currently is.
The Hoops boss stated that it was “pretty clear”, as quoted by the Scottish Sun, that Bain was a good fit for the Hoops.
So even though the Potters may be keen to sign him, after scouts were impressed with his Celtic displays according to the Sun’s report, they probably won’t be successful with their pursuit.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10