Celtic are reportedly tracking Besiktas defender Dusko Tosic, but where does that leave Simunovic?
Celtic are reportedly eyeing a move for experienced Besiktas defender Dusko Tosic at centre-back but with the Hoops possessing an abundance of centre-back options, Brendan Rodgers may be forced to sell if he does indeed buy.
Turkish newspaper Fotomac claim 32-year-old Tosic is a £2.6million target for Celtic ahead of the January transfer window, as Rodgers looks to add a central defender to his squad. It has also seen the club linked with German Marvin Compper.
The Hoops already boast plenty of players at the heart of their defence, in Jozo Simunovic, Erik Sviatchenko, Dedryck Boyata and Kristoffer Ajer, while Nir Bitton, Kieran Tierney and Mikael Lustig can all fill in at centre-back.
Simunovic, 23, is considered first choice alongside Belgium international Boyata, but if the Hoops do sign Tosic in January, the 6ft 3in giant’s place in Rodgers’ starting line-up could become under threat.
It should convince the former Dinamo Zagreb ace that he needs to leave Glasgow, and that may persuade Newcastle United to reignite their interest in the nine-time Croatia Under-21 international after he impressed in the Champions League this season.
The Scottish Sun claimed back in May that Rafa Benitez was eyeing a move for Simunovic after gaining promotion back to the Premier League with the Toon, but he failed to make a move happen.
But the Spanish manager’s efforts in landing Simunovic could prove much easier if he becomes out-of-favour on Parkhead, which is likely to happen if the Hoops land Tosic or indeed Compper.
Adding Simunovic to the Newcastle squad could see them prove much harder to break down, offering aerial prowess and speed in foot race. The Croatian would certainly be a good signing, if Benitez can lure him down south.
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