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John Hartson brands James Forrest’s links to Liverpool in £8 million deal as “laughable”

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Hartson warns Liverpool that James Forrest is worth more than £8 million

Reacting to James Forrest’s £8 million links to Liverpool, former Celtic striker John Hartson has warned the Reds that talent in Scotland does not come cheap any longer, labelling the price tag as “laughable”.

Liverpool are already well-stocked with loads of creative talent following Jurgen Klopp’s summer spending spree but reports claim that the Reds are keen to add more depth to their attacking options.

A product of Celtic’s youth system, Forrest has established himself as one of the best talents in the Scottish Premiership over a period of eight years since he made his senior debut. And Hartson has warned Liverpool that the winger is going nowhere for such a petty price tag.

Ex-Hoops striker Hartson told the Evening Times: “I have to say that I laughed when I saw the figures quoted for James Forrest this weekend.

“£8m? That might get you his big toe.

“Aside from the fact that the lad himself has signed a long-term deal with Celtic, the club he has been with since primary school, the money quoted for him is laughable.

“We are not talking about a pup at 16 or 17. We are talking about a boy who has scored goals at international and Champions League level and who has blossomed into a winger who guarantees double-figure goals.

“So spare me the £8m chat. If – and it is a big if – there was anyone looking at Forrest then they would need to triple that number just to get Celtic interested.

“The days of English clubs coming in and getting players for pennies are long gone. Peter Lawwell isn’t the type to let players slip out of the club without getting their market value and in Brendan Rodgers, you have a guy who knows exactly what a player is worth.

“So you can forget anyone coming in for Forrest or any other player and taking them away for a song.”

Forrest has made more than 300 appearances for Celtic and remains on course to top the personal-best goal return of 17 he managed last season.

Hartson added: “There is a suggestion that Forrest will go on to become the most decorated Celtic player of the modern era and that will mean a lot to him too.

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