Chelsea chase Fraser Forster as Villa track Hooper

CHELSEA could be set to raid Parkhead this summer to strengthen their squad, with the Stamford Bridge outfit chasing highly-rated goalkeeper Fraser Forster whilst Aston Villa have joined the race for Gary Hooper.

The 25-year-old Forster has kept 67 clean sheets in 134 games for Celtic since he first signed on loan from Newcastle, and has earned rave reviews for his performances this year, including keeping Barcelona at bay in the Champions League. He has been added to the England squad in recent months, but is yet to win his first cap.

However, Chelsea are said to be tracking the Parkhead stopper as a potential replacement for the departing Petr Cech. Veteran ‘keeper Hilario is also set to leave the Blues, leaving youngster Thibaut Courtois as the first choice goalkeeper - but the Belgian could negotiate a move away from Chelsea, having spent a successful spell on loan with Spaniards Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s chances of signing Gary Hooper could depend on Paul Lambert’s ability to keep the club in the Premier League. Currently sitting just above the drop zone in 17th, with 18th-placed Wigan having a game in hand, Villa may need a replacement for Belgian striker Christian Benteke, who could be preparing to leave the Midlands for Italy, with Serie A cracks Inter Milan reportedly interested in the international striker.

Hooper has been the subject of interest from a number of English sides, but long-time suitors Norwich City appear to have dropped their interest in the former Scunthorpe striker.