Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon is reportedly wanted by Chelsea.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has told the Daily Mail that Chelsea can forget about any possible move for Bhoys goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
The Bhoys made it 20 wins from 21 league games on Wednesday evening, as they picked up a hard-fought 1-0 win over St Johnstone at Celtic Park, with Dedryck Boyata scoring a 72nd minute winner for Rodgers’ men.
Celtic’s latest win means that they have now equalled the Lisbon Lions’ record of 26 games unbeaten, and everything is going perfectly for Rodgers in his first season at the club.
Celtic’s Craig Gordon gestures
Rodgers has had to deal with speculation surrounding the futures of young players like Kieran Tierney and Moussa Dembele, but rumours over the last 24 hours have actually surrounded one of his veteran players.
According to a report from The Mirror, Chelsea are lining up a shock move for Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon, with Antonio Conte keen to land a proven shot stopper in order to replace Asmir Begovic, who could join Bournemouth.
Gordon, 34, has been superb for Celtic ever since signing for the club in the summer of 2014, and whilst Rodgers brought in Dorus De Vries to compete with Gordon, the Scot has come out on top in that battle.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Gordon’s performances have now triggered interest from Chelsea, though he would only head to Stamford Bridge as a clear backup for Thibaut Courtois, if the Blues manage to tempt Celtic into a deal.
After beating St Johnstone on Wednesday evening, manager Rodgers spoke to the Daily Mail about Gordon’s future, stating that whilst he’s not surprised by the interest, he wants to keep Gordon at the club, even with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
“I heard something before the game,” said Rodgers. “I’m not surprised. There’s lots of speculation about many of our players. It’s credit to them that they’re performing so well that these great clubs are interested in them. But Craig’s very much a part of what I’m doing here. He has really consolidated his game and he sees how we want to play. You can see how calm he is. He is 34-years-old, he can go on for a number of years and be a real pillar of this team.”
“If it is the case they are interested, we don’t want to sell him. His contract is up at the end of the season but the club have an option. It’s not something we would even consider. Craig is someone I want to lock down for during my time here. He’s a good guy, he’s very happy in his life and he’s enjoying playing this style of football. It’s given him a real edge to his game. So much so if a club like Chelsea are interested it shows the level he is at.
“I’m delighted for him, he’s stuck at it and performed really well. He knows he has the opportunity to win trophies here, to play in the Champions League. He can stay at home and his kids are settled. Craig’s in a good place and we want to keep him,” he added.
Do you think Gordon would be a good signing for Chelsea?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
