Celtic ready to offer Joe Hart, 33, lifeline after Burnley release if they fail in transfer for Fraser Forster

CELTIC will offer free agent Joe Hart a Scottish Premiership lifeline - if they fail to sign Fraser Forster in a permanent deal.

The Hoops are hoping to keep the on-loan Southampton goalie after an impressive campaign in Scotland.

But Saints could be ready to offload the stopper for a major fee after he rediscovered his old form.

So Bhoys chief Neil Lennon has lined up the ex-England keeper Hart as a back-up plan.

Hart, 33, will be released by Burnley.

He had struggled to displace Tom Heaton and then Nick Pope over the last two seasons.

It follows disappointing spells at Torino and West Ham for the stopper after the end of his ill-fated Manchester City career.

Hart's career has been on a downward spiral since he was released by City.

Boss Pep Guardiola signed Ederson to play as his 'sweeper keeper'.

And his spell under Sean Dyche at Turf Moor did not work out as he mainly warmed the bench for the last two years.

But if Celtic miss out on Forster, he could make the move to Glasgow.

Hart has also been linked with moves to Championship sides Derby and Leeds, along with Turkish club Besiktas.