MOHAMED ELYOUNOUSSI hasn’t given up hope of Fraser Forster joining him at Celtic.
The Norwegian frontman agreed another season-long loan at the nine-in-a-row champions, but the move for the fans’ favourite stalled after a day of frantic negotiations.
Elyounoussi reckons the Forster tale may yet take another dramatic twist and admits he has an inkling in what is in the mind of the towering six times-capped England international keeper.
The left-sided attacker, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “I cannot talk on Fraser’s behalf. He mentioned to me what could happen, but that’s between me and him.
“All we can do is wait and see what’s going to happen, but I still hope he’s going to come back.
“We know what he’s capable of, he’s an amazing goalkeeper. If it doesn’t work out then it doesn’t work out. I want the best for him as he’s a great lad as well as being a great goalkeeper.
“I’m sure it’s not easy for him because Southampton have to finish their season first before he gets a chance there or not.
“He should get that chance, but you never know. Then he maybe needs to see what his options are.
“There is still plenty of time for him to come back here. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens next. It’s his decision if he wants to stay there and I’ll support him either way.
“Obviously, it would be good for us to have him here. I don’t know if that decision has been made or if he’s not sure yet. We’ll have to wait and see.
“We have other good goalkeepers here, as well, so I’m not concerned of that, but it would be great for us to have him for another year.
“I have talked to him and he’s not sure yet what he’s going to do. Hopefully, he comes back here.”
Regardless of the outcome of the Forster situation, boss Neil Lennon will press ahead with bringing in recruitments to the No.1 position with Scott Bain his only experienced shotstopper at the moment since Craig Gordon sealed a two-year deal with his former club Hearts.
Ex-Celt David Marshall, of cash-strapped Wigan who have just entered administration, and former England international Joe Hart, who is a free agent after leaving Burnley, are in the frame.
