West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans is set to leave this summer.
Celtic are edging ever closer to a second consecutive domestic treble under Brendan Rodgers, as their dominance of Scottish football.
The Bhoys are thriving under Rodgers in Scotland, but the next challenge will be to impress in Europe, with either a Champions League knockout spot or a lengthy Europa League run next on the agenda for Rodgers.
To do that, Celtic need to add new signings this summer, and bringing in a new centre back has to be a priority, especially with question marks over Dedryck Boyata’s future with the club.
Celtic are often prevented from landing a top centre back due to budgetary restrictions, but one defender who does fit into their finances is West Bromwich Albion defender Jonny Evans.
The Telegraph report that Evans has a £3million release clause in his contract should West Brom suffer relegation to the Championship, which looks likely as the Baggies sit bottom of the Premier League table.
Tottenham are thought to be keen, but at £3million, Celtic have to take the ambitious step to challenge Premier League clubs for his signature by offering him the chance to play regular Champions League football.
Rodgers will be well aware of what his fellow Northern Irishman can do, and whilst Premier League clubs will be able to offer huge wages, he would be guaranteed a starring role at Celtic, rather than going back to being a bit-part player as he was at Manchester United.
Landing Evans may seem unlikely for Celtic given the huge competition for his signature, but they should at least look to enter the race and hope that Champions League football and a role as a key player can make them into an attractive proposition for the in-demand defender.
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