Celtic could sign defender and former England international Steven Caulker after the player made a ‘cry for help’ to Hoops’ manager Brendan Rodgers.
Caulker, who played under Rodgers at Swansea in the English Premier League, has been fighting alcohol and gambling addiction. The defender recently admitted he was on the verge of suicide.
According to reports, Rodgers is trying to help his former player through his problems, and a move to Scotland could be the thing to re-ignite the troubled player’s career. The 25-year-old still has one season left on his contract with Queens Park Rangers.
In a recent interview, Rodgers spoke about Caulker.
“I spoke to him as a former manager,” said Rodgers. “The kid messaged me. He has been suffering for the last period of time and he looked to me as someone who looked after him when he was 19 and I was only too happy to reach out and help him.
“We spoke at length about his life and his situation and just where he is at. He is a boy that if he can get it together and find peace, then he is an awesome talent. He is 6ft 3in, quick, strong, he can play. You would take him to war with you.
“He is unbelievable in both boxes, he is an incredible young footballer but he is suffering. Having had experience in trying to help him previously, I was only too happy to do that. At this stage there is nothing more than that. He is obviously a QPR player and I was only too happy to speak to him and help him try to shape his life really.”
Celtic have already made one key signing this summer with the £4.5m transfer of Olivier Ntcham from Manchester City.
Steven Caulker 2016-17 key stats:
- 2 goals in 13 games for QPR
- 1.2 tackles per match
- 1.8 interceptions per match
- 1 yellow card
