Pat Bonner urges Celtic to complete permanent Fraser Forster deal, whatever the cost

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Pat Bonner has told the Scottish Sun that Celtic have got to complete a permanent deal for goalkeeper Fraser Forster, no matter how much Premier League side Southampton want for the England international.

Since rejoining Celtic last summer, 32-year-old Forster has kept an impressive 17 clean sheets in 39 league and cup appearances for the Scottish champions. Indeed, he has only conceded 28 goals, and Celtic fans are desperate to see him signed.

The Telegraph claimed in December that Southampton could charge as much as £20million for Forster, with his contract on the south coast set to expire in 2022. Another loan may be Celtic’s best option of keeping Forster.

Celtic icon Bonner has urged the Hoops to complete a deal to sign Forster and is confident that Forster himself would be desperate to secure a move to Celtic. It all depends on Southampton’s asking price, and whether Forster will take a pay cut.

“You have to think keeping Fraser Forster at the club would be Neil’s priority,” Bonner said. “I don’t know what the specific financial elements would be for that to happen and if Southampton would be open to a fresh loan arrangement.

“Maybe they’d even be willing to discuss a permanent agreement. That option would be very expensive with a transfer fee and wages combined, while Fraser would probably have to take a substantial drop in money.

“But I’m certain Fraser would want to stay with Celtic. Why wouldn’t he? Fraser is definitely the man for top saves at big moments in games. Neil likes a goalkeeper to have a major presence and Fraser definitely fits that bill.”

TBR’s view – Celtic need to pay the money for Forster

Back in December, he was valued at a whopping £20million. But amid the global health crisis, Celtic could find that Southampton are willing to charge a smaller fee for their out-of-favour goalkeeper.

It must also be said that Southampton’s position on Forster is an unknown. The England star may even return to find that Ralph Hasenhuttl is keen to use the former Newcastle United goalkeeper, following his excellent Celtic stay.

But if Celtic are given a figure, they need to spend it – or at least get Forster back on loan. Keeping him for 10 in a row is key.