Report: Celtic want £6m-rated goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas

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Greek outlet SDNA have claimed Celtic want to sign a goalkeeper in the January transfer window and have set their sights on impressive AEK Athens stopper Vasilios Barkas – despite signing Fraser Forster in the summer.

Forster joined on a season-long loan from Southampton and has already stated how much he wants to sign permanently at Parkhead, despite his enormous wages at the Premier League side. It remains to be seen if such a deal will be struck.

Celtic also boast Scott Bain and veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who have all spent time as the club’s number one man between the sticks. But Barkas – a 10-time Greece international – is available for a bargain £6million.

The AEK Athens star has kept an enormous 50 clean sheets in just 88 league and cup outings for AEK, conceding 68 times in total. This season he has continued such form, keeping five clean sheets in 10 – letting 10 goals past him.

TBR’s view – Barkas a bargain, but Celtic do not need him

Even though Gordon is likely to leave in the near future or even consider hanging up his gloves, Celtic do not need another goalkeeper. Bain is a more than adequate back-up to Forster, and Celtic must sign the latter permanently.

Saying that, if Celtic do fail to land Forster next summer, than Barkas would be an excellent alternative to the England international. It remains to be seen whether Celtic can sign Forster on a deal beyond next summer.