Davie Provan believes that everyone is a winner if Celtic sell Craig Gordon to Chelsea.
The player gets a massive wage rise, Celtic bank a few million with six months to find a replacement keeper and Chelsea get themselves a top notch back up.
Most of the arguments have been well discussed over the past week but Provan picks up on one important aspect- Gordon could have picked up a massive insurance pay off if he had retired through injury rather than revive his career at Celtic.
Whether that demonstrates the keeper’s determination to play or a lost windfall remains to be seen with the issue due to be resolved by Tuesday night.
Writing in The Sun Provan states: “If Peter Lawwell can squeeze a few million out of the Blues for the 34-year-old, this deal is a no-brainer.
“Think about it. Chelsea get good cover for Thibaut Courtoi. Celtic bank a nice profit on a free transfer. Gordon secures his financial future for life. What’s not to like?
“Yeah, it leaves Brendan Rodgers short between the sticks, but there’s enough time to get a replacement ahead of next season’s Champions League qualifiers.
“Rodgers hasn’t put a foot wrong since pitching up in Glasgow, but he was havering this week.
“As news broke of Chelsea interest in Gordon, the Celts gaffer insisted his keeper wasn’t for sale. Just what Hoops fans wanted to hear, but a million miles from the truth.
“Money doesn’t talk in football right now, it barks at the moon.
“You can bet if the wages are tempting enough for Gordon he’ll force this deal through.
“Two words for those who think Rodgers will block the deal — Dimitri Payet. If Gordon is offered four times his Celtic salary, his head will be scrambled. No point in holding him against his will
Provan added: “Nobody should downplay Gordon’s achievement. Out of the game for two years, it took more than talent to get back to the top.
“When he could have cashed in a hefty insurance cheque, he decided to prove the medics wrong instead. Against all odds, he’s back at the sharp end.
“Celtic and Gordon have been good for each other. When Fraser Forster was sold to Southampton in 2014, Ronny Deila took a punt on Gordon when nobody wanted to know him.
“Getting the keeper for nothing took the risk out of it for Celtic. Gordon has repaid the club’s faith with interest but here’s the rub. In a team where he can go 90 minutes without having to make a save, he’s not indispensable.
“No harm to the big man, but Dorus de Vries could step into his boots without anyone noticing.
“Remember, Rodgers thought De Vries was the better of the two when he brought the Dutchman north from Nottingham Forest.”
Gordon appears to be Chelsea’s first choice to replace Asmir Begovic who is a £12m target for Bournemouth.
Antonio Conte is prepared to let the Bosnian internationalist move on provided that he gets an experienced back-up in place with Chelsea linked with a number of keepers over the weekend.
