Will Scottish Premiership champions Celtic cash in on Jozo Simunovic in the summer transfer window with Serie A giants Lazio trying again?
Lazio’s interest in Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic is nothing new.
Reports in Italian publication Calcio Dangolo reported back in July of last year that the Rome-based giants were firm admirers of the Hoops’ highly-rated centre-back, whose fine performances contributed to Brendan Rodgers’ side sealing an undefeated domestic treble in 2017/18.
It is understood that Simunovic is one of two options Simone Inzaghi’s side are currently considering as a replacement for star centre-back Stefan De Vrij, who will leave on a free this summer when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The other option is Neven Subotic, who only recently joined Ligue 1 outfit St Etienne on an 18-month deal so might be harder to lure to the Stadio Olimpico.
While Celtic were unwilling to cash in on Simunovic last summer, it is tempting to wonder whether the situation might be different this time around.
Simunovic’s form has dipped this season and he is no longer a guaranteed member of Rodgers’ starting XI thanks to the signings of Jack Hendry from Dundee and Marvin Compper from RB Leipzig in the January transfer window.
The Daily Mail claimed last month that Celtic would be willing to sell for around £7 million – meaning Lazio can probably get their man if they dig deep, and Celtic fans would be more than happy to see the club cash in on a player whose performances of late have left a lot to be desired.
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