Talks begin: Celtic ready to agree terms with £12,000-a-week ace after two bids rejected – report
By Dominic Toner
Celtic have opened talks with goalkeeper Craig Gordon about agreeing an extended contract, according to a report.
The Mail claim that the Bhoys are in negotiations with the 34-year-old about a new deal and are set offer him an increase on his current £12,000-a-week wage.
It is understood that the shot stopper was promised a pay rise if he remained at Parkhead amid strong interest from Premier League giants Chelsea.
The Daily Record reported last month that Chelsea submitted two bids for Gordon during the January window, with offers of £3million and £4million both rejected.
Gordon is set to be rewarded for his strong performances this season as he is a regular starter in the team that are still unbeaten domestically.
The experienced goalkeeper has kept a remarkable 20 clean sheets in 37 appearances across all competitions and is Brendan Rodgers’ number one ahead of Dorus de Vries.
He has been a number two option for the majority of his career during spells with Hearts and Sunderland, but Gordon has established himself as a top goalkeeper since he joined in 2014.
Football Insider verdict:
Gordon has been a strong performer for the soon-to-be Scottish champions, who are in the comfortable position of being 27 points clear at the top of the table. The goalkeeper has made a number of decent saves throughout the season, but has been untested for long spells during games. He is deservedly set to receive a new improved contract for his efforts as he has been reliable for Rodgers. However, Chelsea submitted a £4million bid for Gordon in January and they may look back and wish they had cashed in. The goalkeeper is still a strong performer, but is certainly reaching the latter stages of his career at 34. Celtic should be considering a younger goalkeeper for the future and their scouts may well be searching for Gordon’s successor already.
In other Celtic transfer news, Peter Odemwingie has urged this player to join the club.
We’ve launched an << EXCLUSIVE TRANSFER WINDOW NEWS FEED>>. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Celtic transfer news.