CELTIC are reportedly preparing a bid to bring Fraser Forster back to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

The Hoops are determined to bring the big English goalkeeper back ahead of their 10-in-a-row bid next season.

But with a number of clubs south of the border expressing their interest in the Southampton goalie, Neil Lennon and the Hoops face a battle for his signature.

Forster has two years left on his Saints deal, but spent last year on-loan at Celtic and the Scottish Premiership champions had hoped to extend that agreement.

But The Scottish Sun now say that Parkhead chiefs are exploring the option of bringing the 32-year-old in on a permanent deal.

It comes after Craig Gordon announced his Celtic exit yesterday on social media.

Writing on Instagram, he said: "6 League Titles. 5 League Cups. 3 Scottish Cups.

"The last six years have been the most successful period of my professional career, and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in making this possible.

"The club, for initially taking a chance on someone who hadn’t played in nearly three years. And to Woodsy for encouraging me to make the move in the first place, and for training me ridiculously hard ever since.

"I’ve had the pleasure of playing alongside some brilliant team-mates - who without, my time at the club would have been very different.

"The fans, for their support. Home, away… all over the world. Thank you.

"My family, who have been there through it all. The ups and downs, the miles, the sacrifices, the celebrations. I hope I’ve made them proud.

"At 37, and with a few years in me yet, I just want to play the game I love, and have played for 20+ professional seasons. Football can make for difficult decisions, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter and challenge.

"Thank you, again. CG."