Celtic FC want to hold onto goalkeeper Fraser Forster beyond the summer but Neil Lennon has chalked up a backup plan in case this move does not materialize.
Forster has been with the Park Head outfit on loan during the 19/20 season from Premier League side Southampton and Lennon wants to sign the 32-year-old on a permanent deal.
But recent reports in Scotland have suggested that the Bhoys boss has shortlisted three keepers(Joe Hart, Ben Foster and Claudio Bravo) which could act as potential replacements in case the Saints do not agree to let their keeper remain in the Premiership.
And now according to former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips, Celtic FC should try and make a move for Burnley man Joe Hart during the upcoming transfer window.
Phillips told Football Insider: “Joe Hart has had his issues of late. He has not played but he is a fantastic goalkeeper. That might be the kind of move Joe Hart needs to get his career going again.
“That is a tough one because Claudia Bravo is also a quality goalkeeper.
“You would be fairly happy with any of those three if they cannot get a deal done for Forster.”
Which player is Celtic FC be able to sign?
In all fairness, all the three shortlisted players will be great signings for Neil Lennon but what remains to be seen is if they are interested in playing in Scotland or not.
Some reports have suggested that Joe Hart is willing to take a pay cut and join Celtic FC as a free agent in the summer but if a Premier League club wants to sign him then the 33-year-old will not think twice before snubbing a move to the Premiership.
The same if the case with Ben Foster and Claudio Bravo, both of whom will want to remain in England next season and will only consider a move to Scotland if there is no other possibility.
So as things stand, Fraser Forster is still Lennon’s safest bet and we do think the Bhoys will be able to get this deal through since Ralph Hassenhuttl has no use of the 32-year-old.
And if somehow, the SPFL side does miss out on the shot-stopper then either of the three choices will be a perfect alternative since all three of them are set to be free agents in the summer.
