Celtic’s hopes of signing Filip Benkovic now look over as Premier League duo Spurs and Chelsea are reportedly interested in the Dinamo Zagreb defender.
The 20-year-old Croatian has been linked with a move to Parkhead for some time now. The Scottish Sun reported in January 2017 that Celtic were scouting him and stated a year later that the Hoops were still keeping a close eye on his development over in Eastern Europe.
But any hope Celtic might have had of reinforcing a creaking back line with one of the most highly rated young defenders around could now be over.
Because Calciomercato report that not only will Dinamo demand around £20 million for Benkovic this summer, the Croatian U21 ace is attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs on the continent.
It is understood that Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race with the North London club always in pursuit of talented youngsters. Spurs could lose Toby Alderweireld this summer and Benkovic is one of a number of promising defenders under consideration.
Calciomercato report that Chelsea are big fans of Benkovic, too, as are an Inter Milan side who have already reinforced their back line by agreeing free transfer deals for Stefan de Vrij and Kwadwo Asamoah.
Celtic are included in the report. But do not expect to see Benkovic wearing green and white by the time next season kicks off, especially with Tottenham in the running.
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