Report: Zenit plot £12m move to sign Celtic star James Forrest

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Celtic winger James Forrest is a target for Zenit Saint Petersburg. According to The Scottish Sun, Zenit are lining up a £12m bid for Forrest before the transfer window slams shut in early September.

Zenit have already signed Malcom from Barcelona this summer but now want Forrest on the other flank. They can offer Champions League group stage football, a 2019/20 title defence in the Russian Premier League and wages of around £70k-per-week.

Forrest, however, has a Celtic contract until 2022 and he is happy at the club. The 28-year-old is also in talks to extend that deal and has even hinted at becoming a one-club man (The Daily Record).

He was voted as Celtic’s Player of the Year in 2018/19 after scoring 18 goals and providing 20 assists. This season, he already has two goals and three assists in six matches. That takes his total Celtic tally to 75 goals and 73 assists in just over 350 games.

Forrest staying would provide major boost

The Bhoys have already lost Kieran Tierney this summer after he joined Arsenal. So Neil Lennon must battle to keep Forrest at Celtic Park. The Scotland international is a key part of Lennon’s plans and is considered to be a potential successor to Scott Brown as captain.

Forrest seems very happy at Celtic. His previous comments suggest he will not angle for a move away even if the wages are tempting. This Russian switch seems unlikely as Forrest is not even swayed by the Premier League.