STOKE CITY have offered David Marshall a contract, dealing a blow to Neil Lennon who had placed the goalkeeper on the list of the transfer targets for the club should a deal for Fraser Forster fail.
As reported by the Scottish Sun, Michael O’Neill’s side have offered the 35-year-old a contract following his departure from Wigan Athletic after they entered administration. The Championship side are planning to rebuild for O’Neill’s first full season in charge.
Marshall burst onto the scene with a captivating goalkeeping performance at the Nou Camp, earning Celtic a clean sheet with some breathtaking stops. The ex-Wigan goalkeeper, 35, started his career at Celtic before departing in 2007 after Gordon Strachan opted for Artur Boruc.
Wigan entered administration and have been forced to make wholesale changes as life in League One beckons. One of their top players is goalie Marshall and the Scotland Internationalist has decided to leave the club.
A return to Celtic appeared to be on the cards if Celtic failed to agree a deal for Forster but even then it would be underwhelming compared to the 32-year-old Englishman. Marshall has had a top career in England and whilst Forster remains the top of the transfer list, Marshall would be a top replacement. Joe Hart and AEK Athens’ Vasilios Barkas have been touted as being potential signings should Forster remain at St Marys.
Recently, Freddie Woodman and Marcus Bettinelli have emerged as possible targets for the goalkeeping vacancy at Parkhead.
