Celtic reportedly consider Marcus Bettinelli as bargain Fraser Forster replacement

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Celtic could reportedly turn their attentions to Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli in their bid to replace Fraser Forster this summer.

Forster had a sensational loan stint back at Parkhead last season but is now expected to fight for regular first-team football at parent club Southampton. 

With Craig Gordon departing for Hearts, it leaves Celtic needing a new stopper. So far, the likes of Joe Hart, Vasilis Barkas, and David Marshall have been mentioned as potential options. 

Now, the Daily Mail is reporting that Bettinelli could be on Celtic’s radar. 

The 28-year-old has lost his place as number one goalkeeper at Fulham to Marek Rodak. He has played just 14 times this season with his last appearance coming in November.

His contract at Craven Cottage expires in 12 months so, as per the report, he could be available at a cut-price figure of just £1 million. 

The 6ft 4ins stopper, who has one cap for the England under-21s, was called into the England senior squad in 2018. England boss Gareth Southgate is a fan of his and hyped up his ability with the ball at his feet at the time, as reported by West London Sport. 

“Marcus is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and fits that prototype of goalkeeper and there is no point in us calling up a senior goalkeeper who has worked with us in the past just for training. So it is a good opportunity for Marcus.”

That could prove a bonus to Celtic, especially in domestic games, where the Bhoys tend to dominate possession against lesser opposition.

Whether Bettinelli could provide the same sort of goalkeeping heroics that Forster does in continental action would be up for debate. 

But, at that reduced price, there is no reason why Celtic should not be asking questions.