It was back in 2017 when Brendan Rodgers spoke with Steven Caulker about a potential move to Celtic. Speaking to The Scotsman last year, the English defender told how a move to Celtic came very close, but he opted out of a deal for personal reasons.

He said: “[Joining Celtic] came close. I decided in the end to stay in London.

“I was early on in my recovery, and I felt my support network was best in London.

“I opted out of Scotland at that moment”

Caulker would then appear on the Scottish scene as a marquee signing for Dundee – a move which took the whole of Scottish football by surprise. The player who had once pulled on a Liverpool jersey now would be turning out for Neil McCann and his Dundee side.

However, the move would prove to be a bust for both parties with Caulker not being able to help the cause and Dundee just surviving relegation from Scotland’s top flight.

Just before the summer window closed back in August, Caulker invoked a clause in his contract which meant he could leave the club without any hassle or fee being required. Many thought this was because he had a transfer in mind and this would free that deal up.

However, it has taken until the last few days for the Englishman to find a new club and he’s headed to Turkish minnows Alanyaspor on a short term deal – a far cry from Celtic Park!

There was genuine thought that Caulker came up to Scotland to gain fitness, get his head straight and then land a Celtic deal the second time around but it’s safe to say that ship has sailed and the club have dodged a bullet.

Caulker had had his demons which has, unfortunately, had a significant effect on his footballing career. If being out of the limelight abroad is what’s best for the former Liverpool man then good luck to him.