Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are reportedly set to sell Jozo Simunovic to the Premier League with both Crystal Palace and Burnley linked.
Just a few months ago, Jozo Simunovic was one of the first names on Celtic’s team-sheet. These days, it looks more and more likely that his future lies away from Parkhead with The Daily Mail stating that the Hoops will sell him if they receive an offer of around £7 million.
That is quite a fall from grace for the 23-year-old centre-back, who is reportedly on the radar of Burnley and Crystal Palace. But perhaps his sudden and seemingly irreparable decline in the eyes of Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers can be traced back to one torrid afternoon.
Simunovic was arguably the worst of an abysmal bunch as Celtic’s 69-game unbeaten domestic run was ended in humiliating fashion away at Hearts in December. The Bhoys went down 4-0 at Tynecastle, with the Bosnian defender coming in for some severe, and justified, criticism.
Tellingly, Simunovic has not played for Celtic since, with the 19-year-old Kristoffer Ajer (below) taking his place in the starting XI. The arrival of Marvin Compper from RB Leipzig has only served to force Simunovic further down the pecking order. And it seems that Simunovic might even be denied the chance to salvage his Celtic career if an acceptable offer arrives this month.
Long-standing suitors Crystal Palace appear set to step up their interest in the aftermath of Scott Dann’s season-ending injury and the ongoing concerns surrounding the fitness of both Martin Kelly and Mamadou Sakho.
A strong defence is key to Roy Hodgson’s game plan at Selhurst Park so an extra centre-back, in the shape of Simunovic, will be welcome.
Celtic, however, look like they cannot wait to get rid of the former Dinamo Zagreb man.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
