The general idea of a swap deal in football is to swap two players who have a similar value, and are probably at similar places in their career.

A report from Football Insider has indicated that Celtic are considering a swap deal which would see Olivier Ntcham go to Southampton, while Fraser Forster would complete a permanent move to Celtic.

It’s worth remembering that a lot of speculation recently has suggested that Southampton may be struggling financially, so there’s nothing to suggest that they will hold out for a big fee for the keeper.

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On top of that it’s suggested that Celtic value the Frenchman at around £12m – and he’s only 24 and will surely be worth more in the future.

Forster has had a fantastic season, but he’s 32 years old and there’s no way that his value can be the same. Southampton see him as a third choice player at best and clearly want to get him off the wage bill, so you have to think they would take less.

Of course it’s possible that Celtic feel Ntcham is expendable and fear they won’t get anywhere near the £12m for him this Summer if they do sell, but it still seems like a poor move to make.

It’s important for Celtic to keep Forster and hopefully they do manage to pull it off, even if Southampton offer some money and the keeper for Ntcham, then it would start to resemble a good bit of business.