Jozo Simunovic has praised Celtic transfer target Ivan Mocinic.
Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic has told the Daily Record that he rates Bhoys transfer target Ivan Mocinic highly – but isn’t sure that his club Rijeka need to sell.
The Bhoys have endured an up-and-down season so far, and having crashed out of both the Champions League and Europa League already, manager Ronny Deila is under pressure.
The Norwegian will be looking for new signings this month, and one player who appears to be on his radar is Croatian midfielder Mocinic.
Rijeka sporting director Srecko Juricic said earlier this week; “We’re trying to prepare ourselves for every eventuality. Celtic, Dinamo Zagreb, Sampdoria and Lazio have all requested information,” as quoted by The Scottish Sun.
With Celtic’s interest in the 22-year-old midfielder seemingly confirmed, Mocinic’s compatriot Jozo Simunovic – a current Bhoys star – has been asked about the situation.
Simunovic, who signed for Celtic from Dinamo Zagreb back in September, has told the Daily Record that he is familiar with Mocinic from his days in the Croatia youth setups.
The defender believes that Mocinic, a central midfielder, would fare well in Scotland, but doubts whether Rijeka – who sold star striker Andrej Kramaric to Leicester last January – will need to sell their prized asset.
“I remember him from the national team when we played together from Under-17 through to the Under-19 level years ago,” said Simunovic. “He’s a very good player and I think he could do very well in Scotland. I know he has improved over the past few years.”
“He is a midfielder who can play on the left or the right. He keeps things simple but he is a very good runner and a useful all-rounder who can play at No.10 or No.6. He is a goal threat also. Rijeka don’t really need to sell him I think,” he added.
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