One-time France international Benoit Costil had been linked with Celtic in January with Craig Gordon’s future uncertain.
Craig Gordon committing his future to Celtic with a three-year contract will have saved manager Brendan Rodgers a rather large headache, as reported by The Telegraph.
The veteran shot-stopper, who is arguably enjoying his finest season in Scotland, was linked relentlessly with a shock move to Chelsea in the January transfer window, meaning Rodgers was facing up to the unenviable task of sounding out a new number one in the summer.
And it appeared that Rennes goalkeeper Benoit Costil may have been hand-picked by the Northern Irishman. L’Equipe claimed that Celtic had scouted the once-capped France stopper, who was given his international debut in November last year, on a number of occasions this season.
Widely considered one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Ligue 1, the 29-year-old has improved with age. And with his contract expiring in the summer, he appeared to be on the lookout for a big move relatively late in his career.
However, according to Le Telegramme, Costil is set to perform a surprising U-turn and sign a three-year deal at Rennes.
And although Celtic can take solace in knowing that Gordon will not be jumping ship any time soon, the news may still come as a blow. The former Hearts prodigy is 34, after all, with back-up Dorus de Vries two years his senior.
Therefore, Rodgers will know that securing a long-term replacement will be a necessity sooner rather than later. Though it appears that, whoever it is, it will not be Costil.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
