Oliver Birch 
Robert Hradil/Getty Images Sport
AEK Athens goalkeeper Vasilios Barkas appears to have been dropped from their recent match-day squads amid interest from Celtic.
The Hoops have been linked with the Greece international as a potential replacement for Southampton loanee Fraser Forster.
Reports emerged on Monday suggesting Celtic have given head of football operations Nick Hammond the green light to pursue a move for the 25-year-old.
And according to HITC, AEK may well be preparing for life without the ‘keeper, having dropped him from the last three match-day squads.
READ CELTIC VERDICT
Barkas’ sudden exclusion from the side is surprising to say the least, given how he had played in all six of AEK’s league games prior to being dropped.
His exile from the squad in their seventh league game coincides with Celtic’s initial interest in him, suggesting the Greek outfit could be getting ready for a potential departure.
However, unless Fraser Forster’s loan deal is cut short by Southampton in January, a summer move for Barkas appears the more likely option rather than a winter move.
