Fraser Forster lined up for emotional Celtic transfer return after injury to Scott Bain
CELTIC will target Fraser Forster for an emotional return to Paradise after losing crocked Scott Bain.
SunSport understands Neil Lennon, who is also keen on Bournemouth’s Jordon Ibe, will inquire about a reunion with ex-Hoops No1 Forster who is out of favour at Southampton.
Bain will be out for two months after picking up a hand injury in the shock 4-3 defeat to Cluj on Tuesday night which dumped Celts out of the Champions League.
It’s understood Bain, 27, has damaged a ligament in his hand.
He will undergo specialist tests in England to determine the length of his absence. If Celts’ worst fears are confirmed, Bain could be out until October.
Craig Gordon is set to start Saturday’s Betfred Cup tie against Dunfermline.
But Lennon is in the market for a keeper before the transfer window closes on September 2 and Forster is on his radar.
Forster, 31, enjoyed enormous success under Lennon, and played over 100 games for Celts before his £10million move to Saints five years ago.
He won six England caps and impressed in the Premier League, but is now behind Angus Gunn and Alex McCarthy at St Mary’s.
Bournemouth winger Ibe is also wanted by Celtic on loan.
Cherries boss Eddie Howe is weighing up whether to allow Ibe to leave, as there are concerns over new signing Arnaut Danjuma’s foot injury.
CELTIC SWOOP
Ibe has also attracted interest from abroad, but could be needed for cover as Danjuma has aggravated a problem that ruled him out for four months last season.
Howe has Harry Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Ibe as wide options, as Danjuma has joined David Brooks and Junior Stanislas in the treatment room.
Ibe was on the bench last weekend against Sheffield United and Howe has been considering loaning him out.
Italian clubs Napoli and Fiorentina have enquired about the former Liverpool kid, while La Liga outfit Espanyol have also shown interest.
Turkish giants Galatasaray have also tracked Ibe, 23, but it’s believed he would rather stay in the UK.
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Meanwhile, Celts will face AIK Stockholm in the Europa League play-off round.
The Swedes KO’d Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova.
The first leg is in Glasgow next Thursday.