Celtic's hopes to keep Fraser Forster at Parkhead beyond his loan deal this summer could be dashed - thanks to Manchester United.

Forster has been in stunning form for the Hoops since rejoining on a season-long loan from Southampton.

A clause was added to the move which would allow Celtic to sign the player on a permanent transfer, however financially, his wage packet could prove too much of a stumbling block for the pair to do business.

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And that, according to the Athletic, was down to Saints tying up their goalkeeper on a long-term, megabucks deal to stave off interest from Manchester United back in 2016.

Forster earned his first England call-up during his time at Parkhead the first time around, and was highly thought of when he made his move south to St Mary's.

As United thought they may lose David de Gea to Real Madrid, contingency plans were drawn up with Forster's name number one on the goalie shortlist.

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That's when Southampton offered him an improved deal in order to hold weight in any potential negotiations.

With his wage rumoured to be around the £70,000 per week number, Celtic could only dream of paying that cash on a weekly basis.

So unless conversations and sacrifices are made, the Great Wall will be heading back to Southampton next year.