Celtic reportedly in talks for player that spoke of his frustration at failed 2009 move

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Steven Fletcher recently spoke of his frustration at failing to secure a move to Celtic in 2009 from Hibernian, but now he may be able to put that right as Celtic reportedly make initial contact with the free agent’s representatives.

Fletcher, 33, is without a club after his Sheffield Wednesday contract expired at the end of the season. That is, despite netting an impressive 13 goals in 27 Championship appearances under Garry Monk during 2019-20.

Celtic want to sign a striker and while Albian Ajeti and Ivan Toney have been linked with a move for the Scottish champions, but the Record have now claimed that the Hoops have initiated talks to sign Shrewsbury-born Fletcher.

Such a move for the 33-time Scotland international may see Fletcher finally earn a move to Celtic – something which he admitted left him frustrated after a move to Parkhead from Hibernian failed to materialise in 2009.

Midway through the 2008-09 season, Fletcher was the subject of an offer from Celtic – one which Hibernian turned down. He instead moved to Burnley that summer, but he recently told Open Goal that he wanted to join Celtic.

“I was linked with Celtic in January and they put an offer in for me and it got rejected,” Fletcher said. “Obviously I was a bit just let me go. I did want to go at the time. It was a good squad, I wanted to go. Strachan was the manager.”

TBR’s view – Fletcher is the ideal Celtic signing this summer

The issue Celtic have with buying a player such as Ajeti or Toney is that both will be expecting to start or at least feature on a regular basis – and play all the big matches. But Celtic are looking for back-up to Odsonne Edouard.

Celtic need a striker that is happy to play second fiddle. Fletcher, at 33 and on a free, would not only save the club millions – but he would also provide Lennon with the perfect addition over the next couple of seasons.