Who is Craig Gordon? Chelsea target Celtic goalkeeper with second January transfer window bid – here’s what we know

CHELSEA have made a second attempt to lure shock target Craig Gordon to Stamford Bridge.

Antonio Conte has targeted the Celtic stopper as he looks to bolster his squad as they try to win the Premier League this season.

Gordon had asked to speak with his club to find out the situation with the opportunity to move to Stamford Bridge dangling in front of him.

, who wants an improved four-year deal if he is to stay.

SunSport takes a look at why they have gone for Gordon and whether he will make the move to England.

Who is Craig Gordon?

Craig Gordon is a Scottish goalkeeper who began his professional career at Hearts as a highly-rated youngster who soon forced his way into the national team set-up.

Much was expected of him when he made a £9million move to Sunderland in 2007, with many predicting he would go on to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

But his time at the Stadium of Light was ruined  by injury - the first being a knee ligament problem and then a broken arm which needed a plate inserted.

A second knee injury then robbed him of another long run in the side and he was released by the club in 2012, before spending two years out of the game.

He was finally persuaded to return to professional football by Celtic in 2014, and a year later he had impressed so much the club rewarded him with a new deal until 2018.

Why are Chelsea interested in Craig Gordon?

Chelsea are in the market for a new goalkeeper as current keeper Asmir Begovic is likely to leave the club during the transfer window.

Belgian international Thibaut Cortois is recognised as the first-choice keeper at Stamford Bridge but the club need a top-class understudy should Begovic leave.

They see Gordon as the ideal man to come in to bolster the squad and are hoping to push through a deal in January.

How much have Chelsea bid for Craig Gordon and will Celtic sell?

Chelsea made an initial bid of £3m for the 34-year-old on January 26, which Celtic rejected immediately.

But the Premier League leaders have come back with an improved offer, with suggestions they would be willing to pay as much as £5m to get their man.

Celtic are desperate to keep hold of their first choice goalkeeper and do not financially need to sell, but Gordon is meeting with the club for urgent talks to find out what their position is.

The Scottish club know they are being offered good money for a 34-year-old, and the chance to join one of the biggest clubs in Europe is hugely attractive to Gordon.