Neil Lennon is hopeful of completing a deal to sign Fraser Forster on a permanent basis, and then help the goalkeeper push for a call-up to the England national team.

Forster is in his second season on loan from Newcastle United but has held talks over moving to the Scottish Premier League.

"We have had communication with his agent," confirmed Lennon. "I've had a chat with Fraser this morning and we hope we can get something sorted out in the near future.

"You are never confident on these things but we have made our approach and told him how we see things and that we want him here.

"It is basically down to his agent, himself and Peter [Lawwell, chief executive] to get a contract resolved."

Beyond Joe Hart, goalkeeper is a problem position and Lennon can see no reason why his number one can’t force his way into any new manager’s plans.

"I look at some of the other goalkeepers who have been involved in the England squad," he said.

"I think Joe Hart is outstanding, I think he is clearly the England number one but the way Fraser is progressing...

"I wouldn't want to throw him in too early, but the way he is playing, why not?"