Celtic fans are staying hopeful that on-loan goalkeeper Fraser Forster signs on a permanent basis in January or next summer.
The 31-year-old returned to Parkhead in August on a loan deal from Southampton, which also saw Mohamed Elyounoussi follow him a week later to the north of the border on a similar deal.
Last week he produced a wonder-save against Lazio in the dying embers of the Europa League tie to seal the Bhoys’ 2-1 victory.
Fans are now hopeful that the English shot-stopper will make the move to join the club permanently, something the former England international suggested could happen (The Scotsman).
He’d need to take a wage drop. Can’t see him staying unless on loan again. We can live in hope.
— NicForster (@rebeltreble8) October 29, 2019
Need to do what ever it takes to get signed to a full term contract
— Peter Walsh (@peterwalsh27) October 29, 2019
Some fans are not as convinced as others that the Saints will allow Forster to leave the Premier League club behind after first-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn conceded nine goals at home to Leicester City.
3rd choice at Southampton they must have a great keeper like he’ll stay given the choice it’s literally insulting to suggest any keeper they have is better than him 9-0 anyone
— Mark Kelly (@kelbhoy) October 29, 2019
Strangely enough I think he would take a substantial pay cut if he got a decent signing on fee.
After what he has been through money is not the top priority (plus he had earned a few bob) it’s about being wanted. Out of his hands as Southampton May want to sell who knows
— stephen donoghue (@steved19614) October 29, 2019
One eagle-eyed Bhoys fans did enjoy the punny side of things though.
Out of my hands
— Andyo (@AndrewO32344945) October 29, 2019
What do we think?
Southampton are unlikely to stand in the way of Forster leaving as he is third in the pecking order at St Mary’s, behind Angus Gunn and Alex McCarthy. The two issues will be whether they will demand a fee for the 31-year-old, and if so, is he prepared to take a wage drop to stay at Celtic Park. If he is, Celtic can breathe a little easier.