Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Besiktas defender Dusko Tosic – but Celtic are also on the trail of the two-time Super Lig champion.
Just one day after RB Leipzig manager Ralf Hasenhuttl all but ruled out any chances of defender Marvin Compper moving to Celtic in January, as reported by the Daily Record, an alternative transfer target has emerged already.
Turkish outlet Fotospor claim that the Scottish champions are eyeing a deal for Besiktas’ Dusko Tosic and are planning an offer worth around £2.5 million.
On initial inspection, the prospect of devoting a relatively hefty chunk of their January budget on a 32-year-old seems odd – particularly as Celtic are renowned for bringing in highly-rated young talent.
But Celtic need defenders immediately able to step into the first-team and the experienced Tosic could fit the bill as a short-term solution. The 21-cap Serbian international is a defender blessed with real versatility, after all.
He is naturally at home at centre-half, meaning he could give The Hoops some much needed depth with Jozo Simunovic, Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko all suffering from injury problems at times this season.
Tosic, however, can also play at left-back – potentially providing back-up to Kieran Tierney who, after the departure of Emilio Izaguirre, stands alone as Celtic’s only senior option in the position.
If Football Arena are to be believed, Celtic aren’t the only club interested in Tosic with Premier League giants Tottenham also hoping to enhance their options at the back. The report claimed that Spurs are preparing a £7 million bid – far more than the offer Celtic are likely to put on the table.
But while Celtic may be up against it with Tottenham ready and willing to pay relatively big for the Besiktas defender in January, Tosic may be a surprisingly astute addition for Brendan Rodgers’ side if they can lure him to Parkhead.
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