Jozo Simunovic now happy to stay at Celtic so will that affect their reported pursuit of Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba?
Jozo Simunovic is happy to stay at Celtic and fight for his place after open and frank talks with manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Scottish Sun had reported earlier this month that the future of Simunovic at Parkhead was in doubt after losing his spot in the team to youngster Kristoffer Ajer.
The 23-year-old, who is under contract until 2021, started only three matches in all competitions after being sent off during the 3-2 Premiership victory over Rangers on March 11, but Rodgers has convinced the Croatian to stay put.
“He explained it to me and I’m still very happy here,” Simunovic told the Scotsman.
“I cannot tell you what he said to me – that must remain personal. But it was a very good conversation. He speaks with every player so it was nothing strange that he spoke to me.
“It’s a challenge for me to get back in the team. I’m looking forward to next season to working hard and trying to get back in. My contract is here for another three years and I’m ready for that.”
This comes after Dedryck Boyata, whom the same report also claimed could leave the Bhoys this summer, confirmed he was in discussions with the Glasgow side about extending his contract – which currently expires in 2019.
“I am in talks with the club,” Boyata was quoted by the Express.
“I have said it before that I am happy here.”
Could this affect incoming transfers?
At one point it had been thought that with forgotten man Marvin Compper, who has played just once since a January switch from RB Leipzig, also linked with an exit that the Hoops may only have Ajer and Jack Hendry as options in central defence.
Which is probably why the Chronicle reported they were interested in signing out-of-favour Newcastle United centre-back Chancel Mbemba.
Yet with Simunovic happy to stay and Boyata seemingly on the verge of signing a new deal, does pursuing Mbemba still make sense?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
