Everton reportedly want Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, while Jozo Simunovic is claimed to be on the radar of Lille.
The Scottish Premiership giants will be involved in Champions League qualifies from this month, as they aim to book their place in the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition for the third season in a row.
Rodgers has suggested that Celtic will not sell Simunovic, with The Daily Record claiming of interest in the 23-year-old central defender from French club Lille.
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“I wouldn’t encourage a move for any player,” Rodgers told The Daily Record. “We need as many of them here for as long as we can to help us. So at this moment in time we wouldn’t be overly interested.”
Good decision
With Dedryck Boyata and Mikael Lustig unavailable at the moment due to their involvement at the World Cup with Belgium and Sweden respectively, it does make sense for Celtic not to part company with Simunovic.
The 23-year-old centre-back may not exactly be a ‘great’ defender and has made mistakes from time to time, but the youngster will be important for the Hoops in their quest to make it through to the Champions League.
Message for Everton?
Rodgers’s comments about Simunovic could also apply to Kieran Tierney, who has been linked with Premier League club Everton in the summer transfer window.
According to The Daily Record, Everton’s opening bid of £25m for the Scotland international left-back will be rejected by Celtic.
While a major offer could be hard for the Hoops to turn down, Rodgers’s comments about Simunovic suggest that he would not be willing to part company with 21-year-old until after the Champions League qualifiers are over.
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