FRASER Forster has emerged as a target for Burnley following a long-term injury to World Cup goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has enquired about the out-of-favour Saints man after Pope, one of England’s three goalkeepers in Russia, dislocated a shoulder during the Clarets’ 1-1 Europa League qualifying draw at Aberdeen last Thursday.

The 26 year-old’s injury, suffered in colliding with Dons striker Sam Cosgrove, is expected to keep him out for up to six months.

It follows a calf injury sustained by Tom Heaton, leaving Burnley without their two first-choice goalkeepers ahead of their opening game of the season – against Saints at St Mary’s – on August 12. Turn to page 44

Both Heaton and Pope have made their England debuts since 2016 – Pope as recently as last month – while Forster, who has won six caps, is desperate to get his career back on track after losing his England squad place and his Saints spot in 2017, the latter after the 5-2 defeat at Tottenham on Boxing Day.

The Great Escape form of Alex McCarthy and the £13.5m arrival of Angus Gunn have relegated Forster to third choice-goalkeeper at St Mary’s.

Academy product Harry Lewis, who impressed in a season-long loan spell at Dundee United last season, is another option for Mark Hughes.

Forster has made 124 appearances for Saints in all competitions since his £10m move from Celtic four years ago.

The 30 year-old is one of Saints’ top earners after signing a five-year contract at St Mary’s last year, so Saints will be keen to at least come to a loan deal for the former Newcastle United trainee.

A move to the north west would take Forster nearer his roots and he is no stranger to loan moves. He spent brief spells at Stockport County and Bristol Rovers before a season at Norwich, while contracted to Newcastle in his early twenties.

Forster also spent two seasons on loan at Celtic before his move to Parkhead was made permanent in 2012.

Saints play their first home friendly of pre-season, against Celta Vigo tomorrow night.

The La Liga outfit signed Sofiane Boufal on a season-long loan earlier this month.

Saints have one other St Mary’s friendly, against Borussia Monchengladbach this Saturday, before Burnley’s visit a week later.