Ralph Hasenhuttl comments should give Celtic hope of Fraser Forster deal

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Celtic may have been given a boost in their hopes of signing Southampton loanee Fraser Forster after recent comments from his parent club’s boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The Saints boss was speaking to the Daily Echo about the upcoming transfer window, when the Austrian admitted asking prices for wantaway players were likely to drop because of the current financial ramifications of the global health crisis.

“You have to remember that the players we want to sell will also be worth less money.

“It has an impact on every club and I think, in the end, when the transfers are starting, and you have some issues, you will do everything to get the player you want.”

Celtic currently have two players on loan from Southampton. Forster is joined at the club by Mohamed Elyounoussi. 

But Celtic fans can basically forget about a permanent deal for the Norwegian forward. He told TV2 in his homeland last month that his plan was to return to Southampton at the end of his loan spell and his injury troubles have perhaps dampened Celtic’s appetite. 

However, bringing back Forster permanently will undoubtedly appeal to Celtic. The goalkeeper, who previously spent five successful years at Parkhead, has been sensational between the sticks for Celtic this season. 

It has even been suggested that Forster would take a pay cut to make a move happen. 

The stumbling block looked like being his asking price. Forster has a contract until 2022 at St Mary’s and cost the club a reported (The Guardian) £10 million, so was not going to be cheap. A report from The Telegraph in December suggested that Southampton would want £20 million-plus for the six-cap England international.

But Hasenhuttl’s comments suggest that may no longer be the case, with Southampton potentially having to adapt their transfer policy in light of the current global health crisis and the subsequent financial ramifications.

It might just give Celtic a chance of pulling off this deal after all.