Crystal Palace were keen to bring Jozo Simunovic to the Premier League from Celtic – and a move to Selhurst Park is surely still possible.
On the basis on Saturday’s evidence, Celtic should snap anyone’s hand clean off if they are willing to offer £7 million for Jozo Simunovic.
The centre-back hardly covered himself in glory and was arguably culpable for both of Partick Thistle’s goals at Parkhead – and was in debt to James Forrest with the winger’s hat-trick sealing The Hoops’ place in the next round of the Scottish Cup.
In truth, Simunovic has been a shadow of his former self in recent months. The confident, commanding defender who shone as Celtic soared to the domestic treble last season has been replaced with an error-prone 23-year-old who, on current form, sends shivers down supporter’s spines.
So, as things stand, Celtic should at least consider cashing in on the former Dinamo Zagreb man in the summer if there are Premier League teams still interested.
The Daily Record stated in January that Crystal Palace were keen and planning an £8 million move for a player who, right now, is probably worth just a fraction of that fee. It is still possible, however, that Palace will make a new move for the player in the summer.
Scott Dann and Damien Delaney are ageing, after all, while Timothy Fosu-Mensah is only on loan from Manchester United. Palace need a long-term partner for Mamadou Sakho and perhaps Simunovic could be that man.
But with Simunovic out of form heading into Thursday’s daunting Europa League clash with Zenit St Petersburg, Palace should keep a close eye on his performance.
After all, if Simunovic cannot handle the Russian Premier League giants, what chance would he have of dealing with Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero or Mo Salah?
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