Chelsea eye shock swoop for Craig Gordon

CHELSEA are said to be eyeing up a summer swoop for Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon, as they seek experienced back-up for Thibaut Courtois with Petr Cech set to depart Stamford Bridge.

By The Newsroom

Published 3rd Mar 2015, 08:21 BST

Craig Gordon: Chelsea target? Picture: Getty

The former of the Hoops No 1 in recent weeks has reportedly caught the eye of Blues scouts as they plan for the summer transfer window.

The 32-year-old is on a shortlist alongside the likes of John Ruddy, Rob Green, Shay Given and Brad Friedel as Chelsea look to supplement their squad.

Their third-choice ‘keeper, Jamal Blackman, signed a new five-year deal with Chelsea in June 2014 and was recalled to the club in January after Mark Schwarzer left while Matej Delac is currently on loan at FK Sarajevo - his eighth loan spell since signing for the Blues.

However, it is unlikely Gordon will be satisfied with a seat on the bench at Stamford Bridge given his struggle to return to top-level football.

Gordon, had spells with Hearts and Sunderland and represented his country before injury problems kept him out for two years.

He spent time training with former club Hearts as well as being linked with Arsenal, Celtic and Rangers, and helped out with coaching at Dumbarton on a casual basis.

But he was handed a lifeline by Celtic who signed him on a three-year deal in July 2014.

Gordon’s first appearance came in a pre-season friendly against Dynamo Dresden, and the following month, Celtic’s first-choice ‘keeper Fraser Forster joined Southampton for £10 million, opening the door for Gordon to establish himself as Celtic’s No 1.