The potential deal to bring Fraser Forster back to Celtic has dragged on for weeks now, so it does suggest that something isn’t right.
It might be a financial issue or could even be Southampton hoping a Premier League side shows some interest, but it’s natural that alternatives will need to be found.
The Daily Record has looked at the latest situation with Joe Hart, who has been linked with Celtic as a potential target if Forster doesn’t return.
READ MORE: Celtic transfer round up: Mixed news on Forster and Elyounoussi, Bauer departs and Belkebla latest
The former Man City keeper’s career has been on a downward trajectory for some while now, so his next club will need to sign him based on what he used to be like as a player – and not his most recent form.
He’s now a free agent so that would be attractive to the board, but the report also looks at some comments that Chris Sutton made to the Daily Record’s Celtic podcast, and it’s clear he doesn’t think this is a good idea:
“When Joe Hart first broke into the Manchester City team, he was a sensational goalkeeper – a brilliant, brilliant goalkeeper.”
“Pep came in and brought Claudio Bravo in because he thought he was better at playing out from the back with his feet.”
“Hart went to Torino, his form dipped and he had a bit of a nightmare over there.”
“Hart then went to West Ham and I thought he was a goalkeeper who looked like he’d lost real confidence and the same has happened at Burnley.”
“He’s 33 years old, maybe he could come up and resurrect his career but Celtic cannot afford to take a gamble this season.”
“That is why they need to get the deal done with Fraser Forster. Last season he was immense, you know what you’re going to get with Forster.”
“These two goalkeepers, at this stage of their careers in the here and now, Forster is streaks ahead of Hart. And that is the truth – Celtic should not touch Joe Hart.”
It’s clear that Forster will be first choice for most fans and hopefully his return can be secured, but it will be interesting to see what happens if he can’t come back.