Southampton: Saints reportedly slash asking price for goalkeeper

Southampton have reportedly cut their asking price for goalkeeper Fraser Forster by more than a half in a bid to recoup some money.

According to a report from Football Insider, Saints have lowered their valuation of the England international from £25m to £10m – similar to what they paid Celtic to bring him to St Mary’s in 2014.

Forster has spent the 2019/20 season back on loan with Celtic and has returned to some of the excellent form he was showing in his previous spell in Glasgow.

This has brought on rumours of a permanent return to Parkhead and the lowering of the asking price will only help that to happen.

Whilst Saints have Alex McCarthy and Angus Gunn battling it out for the number one jersey, they still have a decision to make on Forster too.

In his early days on the South Coast, he put in some sensational displays as the club recorded qualified for Europe in 2014/15 and 2015/16.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

However, a bad patella tendon injury really seemed to force him back a step or two and his performances then became littered with mistakes and hesitation.

For that reason, it is probably best for him to find somewhere else where he can start enjoying football again – and that looks to be back in Scotland.

This year, Forster has made 39 appearances for Celtic in all competitions and has kept 17 clean sheets in those games.

His and Celtic’s form has seen him concede only 28 goals in all whilst fighting on all fronts.

The reigning champions look well on their way to claiming another Scottish Premier League title and have a 13 point advantage over nearest rivals Rangers in the table.

Forster played seven times in the Europa League in which Celtic claimed two huge wins over Lazio and progressed to the knockout stages before being beaten by FC Copenhagen.

He has also been vital in cup competitions for the Hoops this year after playing in the League Cup final win over Rangers and playing in two of the three wins in the Scottish Cup that see Celtic into the semi-finals currently.