According to The Scottish Sun, Southampton are plotting a deal for Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham – and may include Fraser Forster in their offer.
It was claimed earlier this year that the Saints like Ntcham. Now, they may be prepared to make a move for the Frenchman this summer.
With money tight amid the global pandemic, Southampton are willing to get creative and tee up a part-exchange deal to bring Ntcham in.
Celtic have Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster on loan, and with Neil Lennon desperate to keep him, he may be included in any offer for Ntcham.
Southampton are allegedly open to talks about Forster, whilst Celtic are prepared to sell Ntcham. This may well be a deal that works out for all.
Ntcham’s alleged £35,000-a-week wages aren’t ideal right now, hence Celtic’s stance. Southampton see him as a ‘realistic target’ to replace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer.
Celtic do also have Saints winger Mohamed Elyounoussi on loan. Lennon would no doubt love to keep him too, but there’s no mention of him being offered up.
Swap deals may become popular this summer due to the financial implications of the pandemic, and we could see Southampton and Celtic do business in that manner.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
