Fraser Forster has been in excellent form this season (Getty Images)
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has urged the club to sign Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who currently piles his trade with Celtic on loan, as per The Scotsman.
Forster, 32, came through the ranks of Newcastle United’s youth academy. However, he couldn’t get regular game time with the Magpies and was sent on loan spells. He later joined Celtic, initially on loan before joining Southampton in the summer of 2014.
At the St. Mary’s stadium, he established himself as one of the top shot-stoppers in the country and also earned 6 caps for England. But last season, he struggled for regular game time at the Saints and was on the move to Celtic last summer on loan. He has once again established himself as the first-choice at Celtic Park and so Leeds should make a move for the Englishman.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men have been dominant in the Championship despite a slight dip in their form. The Whites have made a difference in every department so far. The attacking unit has scored 56 goals and the defence has been strong, conceding only 30 goals.
Ben White and Liam Cooper have done well, keeping 15 clean sheets as Leeds boast of the best defensive unit in the second tier. However, Bielsa has a lot of work to do ahead of the summer and need to bring in reinforcements if they are to do better next season.
A lot of players in the squad are on loan and this would be a concern for the manager if they are promoted to the top-flight. Thus, they should make some changes to the squad by bringing in reinforcements to key areas.
One area Bielsa should focus on strengthening is the goalkeeping department. Kiko Casilla has been the first-choice shot-stopper and the Spaniard has done extremely well this term. After a torrid first season at Elland Road, he has managed to keep 15 clean sheets.
Apart from the former Real Madrid man, the Whites have three youngsters as a backup – Illan Meslier, Will Huffer and Elia Caprile. They haven’t featured regularly and it would be difficult for them in the top-flight. In that regard, signing Forster would help them gather a strong unit.
Forster has been in sensational form for the Hoops this term. In 28 games, he has conceded just 17 goals, while keeping 14 clean sheets. He would be a perfect fit for Bielsa’s squad and his inclusion would bring in healthy competition.
The English international has made over 400 career appearances. He would certainly bring a wealth of experience to the side. It would also be easy for him as he is already known to the conditions of the Premier League.
At 32, Forster still has the energy left to play at the highest level. By joining Leeds, he could revive his career in England and the Whites could benefit form his recent form. Thus, they should make a move for the former Newcastle man this summer.
