THE possibility of a Celtic return for David Marshall has moved a step closer after the goalkeeper’s current club, Wigan Athletic, went into administration yesterday.
Marshall, who left Celtic back in 2007, has one year left on his contract at the DW Stadium, but the English Championship side are understood to be willing to accept a cut-price fee for the Scotland number one as they become the first high-profile casualty of the coronavirus shutdown in football.
Marshall is believed to be keen on a move back to Glasgow with his family still based in the city, from where the 35-year-old has been commuting south this season, and with Celtic’s bid to bring Fraser Forster back to the club now looking doomed, his chances of a return to the place where he started his career have improved.
Forster, who spent last season on loan at Celtic Park, has been told by Southampton coach Ralph Hasenhuttl that he will get an opportunity to contest the number one position at St Mary’s, and has two years still remaining on a contract worth a reported £70,000 a week.
The 32-year-old is understood to have wanted a permanent move to Celtic this summer, but he now looks set to stay with the English Premier League outfit for the time-being at least.
With Scott Bain the only recognised senior goalkeeper on Celtic’s books at present, manager Neil Lennon is keen to strengthen the position quickly, and has also been linked with a move for former England number one Joe Hart, who is a free agent following his release from Burnley.
But it is believed that Marshall also figures prominently on his list of potential targets, and while no formal contact has been made between the parties, both would be keen to discuss the possibility of a reunion.
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