FRASER FORSTER has knocked back a contract extension with Southampton to spark fresh speculation he could be back on Celtic’s radar.
The former fans’ favourite was linked with a return to Parkhead at the weekend, but CQN pointed out his £72,000-per-week wages would be a major stumbling block in any possible move.
Six times-capped Forster, 33, went back to his parent club after playing his role in the club sealing the history-equalling nine successive titles, a feat first acheived by Jock Stein’s great side from 1966 to 1974.
It was hoped he would be lured back for the 10-in-a-row crusade, but he decided to stay at the south coast outfit and fight for the No.1 place with Alex McCarthy. However, he made only eight Premier League appearances throughout the campaign.
GETTING DOWN TO SOME HARD WORK…Fraser Forster prepares for action.
Forster has only 12 months to run on his current contract and has rejected cut-price terms to extend his career at the Saints, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
Crucially, Southampton are looking to cut costs by trimming their massive wage bill and negotiations with the keeper’s representatives have stalled with the new wage package on offer significantly less than the deal he has enjoyed for the past four years.
The netminder, who cost the St Mary’s outfit £10million when he joined from the Hoops in August 2014, could run down the remainder of his deal and walk away for free next summer which would ensure a massive signing-on fee with a new club.
The skyscraper shotstopper has had four previous spells at Parkhead and there is now a push for him to come back for a fifth time.
