Celtic may face a battle to keep hold of the Croatian, but Sviatchenko is not concerned.
Erik Sviatchenko has insisted that he hopes that Celtic are able to hold onto Jozo Simunovic and suggested that he expects the Croatian to stay put despite interest from elsewhere, the Evening Times reports.
Simunovic was linked with a summer move to Torino, and The Scottish Sun recently reported that the deal came close to being completed.
However, the Croatian was able to get his mind swiftly back on the Hoops and has arguably enjoyed the best spell of his Parkhead career.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action
But his form has not gone unnoticed as The Scottish Sun adds that the Serie A side are ready to reignite their interest in the centre-back.
Nevertheless, his defensive partner Sviatchenko has suggested that he expects the 22-year-old to still be a Bhoys player beyond next month’s window.
“I hope Jozo will stay and I think he will stay so I’m not too concerned,” he said, as reported by the Evening Times. “I’ve been in a lot of partnerships throughout my career and this is one of the best.
“A partnership develops over time and Jozo and myself have only been playing regularly together for around four months.
Celtic’s Erik Sviatchenko
“We complement each other well. He is never flustered and takes chances in his game and nine out of 10 times it goes in his favour.”
Keeping Simunovic would undoubtedly be an important piece of business for Brendan Rodgers. Though the defender has an inconsistent record when it comes to staying fit, there is no question that when he is fit, he is a key man for the Hoops.
His partnership with Sviatchenko has been one of the key reasons for their success this term, and keeping him would send a great message to those within the club who are also attracting interest, as well as Celtic’s own targets, about the direction the club is going in.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
