Newcastle reject Celtic approach for goalkeeper Fraser Forster

Fraser Forster

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Celtic have been rebuffed in their attempt to sign keeper Fraser Forster from Newcastle.

Manager Neil Lennon confirmed that he had tabled a bid, understood to be worth £1.5 million, for Forster, who spent last season on loan at Celtic Park.

“Newcastle have said at the minute he is not for sale but we will pursue that avenue further if we can,” Lennon told BBC Sport.

The 23-year-old kept 24 clean sheets in 44 appearances for Celtic last term as the Bhoys finished second in the Scottish Premier League and won the Scottish Cup.

And Lennon was impressed enough that he wants to have the young goalkeeper on a permanent basis.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is, however, thought to be dissatisfied with the level of competition in the SPL and believes the league would not aid Forster’s continuing development.

“We’ve been disappointed with the quality of the games, other than the occasional Rangers versus Celtic game, and even some of those have been poor,” Pardew has been quoted as saying.

Forster moved to St James’ Park in 2006 but has yet to make a league appearance for the club, having spent spells on loan at Stockport, Bristol Rovers and Norwich before going north of the border last season.