Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster returned to the South Coast this summer following an impressive loan spell with Celtic, with the intention of challenging for a first-team spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl's side.

Celtic were heavily linked with a return for the 32-year-old over the summer before Martin Semmens confirmed that he was set to stay with the Saints, where he would challenge Alex McCarthy and Angus Gunn for a spot in the first-team (per Daily Mail).

However, the former England international has failed to make an appearance this season, with Southampton opting to send Angus Gunn out on loan to Stoke City instead, leaving Forster to sit on the bench.

This looks to have been an expensive decision by the Southampton board, as, despite his lack of appearances, Forster is one of the top earners at the South Coast club, as he currently earns £70,000 a week with the Saints, which is joint-second with Ryan Bertrand.

Only Danny Ings earns more than the shot-stopper, suggesting that he is a very expensive option to just have sitting on the bench and perhaps the club should look into bringing in a cheaper second-choice during the January transfer window.

Celtic have recently been linked with a January move for the Englishman, so Southampton could raise some funds by selling the £4.05 million-rated 'keeper.

After his impressive loan spell there last season, you would expect the 32-year-old to be guaranteed first-team football with the European giants, meaning a deal could benefit both parties.

During his time with the Bhoys, an impressive performance in the Europa League against Copenhagen, in which he saved a penalty, earned him glowing praise from manager Neil Lennon.

He said: "He's brilliant, but that's down to the work that he and (goalkeeper coach) Stevie Woods do behind the scenes.

"Credit to Fraser he's done brilliantly with a magnificent save. I think it would have been really harsh on us if we'd lost the game with the amount of chances we had, especially in the first half." (per Daily Mail)

Therefore, considering Forster's considerable wage and his lack of minutes at Southampton so far this season, there doesn't seem many reasons why the South Coast club should deny him a permanent move to Celtic should they reignite their interest in January.