Celtic suffer potential £5m setback


Celtic's transfer window hasn't exactly got off to the best of starts.

The Hoops may have brought in Moi Elyounoussi for a further loan spell but they face the prospect of Fraser Forster not joining.

Southampton reportedly want him to stay and fight for the number one spot, therefore putting Neil Lennon's plans in disarray. 

The Celtic boss was keen to bring the Saints stopper back to Parkhead but it's also thought his astronomical wages are an issue

Nick Hammond has a number of alternatives in mind and he may have to dig deep to find someone that can replicate Forster's presence.

Moves for Joe Hart or David Marshall could be on the cards but it remains to be seen who the Bhoys' first option is.

However, the Hoops have now suffered a further setback in the transfer market - that's according to the papers.

Joe Hart

Celtic have been in the hunt for Wigan starlet Joe Gelhardt in recent days.

A player touted at around the £5m mark, he could be let go for less after the Latics' administration.

However, they have now suffered a rather meaty blow in their pursuit of the forward.

The Sun reports that not only are Everton and Southampton in the race to sign Gelhardt, but so too are Tottenham and Leeds United.

Based on that, it would be somewhat of a surprise if he ended up in Glasgow, as opposed to a Premier League club.


GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...

Despite his tender age of just 18, Gelhardt's departure from Wigan could be a fascinating saga to oversee this summer.

Celtic were initially handed good news in the fact his price tag could be lowered but with such tasty competition for his signature, they'd surely have to pay over the odds, certainly in terms of wages, to lure him to Scotland.

Signing someone at such a young age may not mean a lot to the supporters at Celtic Park, especially given he's scored just once this term. However, it's important to remember the immense potential Gelhardt has.


The attacker is a generational talent, someone who has been compared to Wayne Rooney.

Outside of Luca Connell and Karamoko Dembele, the Hoops don't have too many players capable of stepping up to first-team football in the academy. Gelhardt, though, would be able to do so with ease.

After all, the teenager already has 18 Championship appearances to his name. He would be a worthy investment if they could beat Spurs and co.

News Now - Sport News