Southampton were said to be pursuing a deal for the Bhoys defender earlier this year, but failed to prise him from Celtic Park.
Celtic’s Erik Sviatchenko
Southampton were one of the sides said to be chasing Celtic’s Erik Sviatchenko in January (the Sun).
As the summer transfer window approaches, we at HITC have assessed the centre-back’s situation:
How’s he getting on?
A regular in the first half of the campaign, Sviatchenko has started just six of Celtic’s 13 league games in 2017, having been ousted by forgotten man Dedryck Boyata. Speaking to Danish outlet BT last week, he described the turn of events as ‘tiresome’ and ‘frustrating’.
Do Southampton still need him?
With former Bhoys defender Virgil van Dijk thought to have played his last game for the Saints, reinforcements are expected in his position, especially given that Martin Caceres, the man signed to fill in for the Dutchman, has yet to feature for his new employers and is out of contract at the end of the campaign. Although, whether they’ll still be keen on Sviatchenko remains to be seen.
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk is expected to leave St Mary’s this summer
Could they get him this summer?
Assuming Claude Puel’s side still want him, Celtic are unlikely to kick up too much of a fuss, assuming they can get a replacement through the door. Kolo Toure could be off at the end of his deal, which would leave only Boyata and Jozo Simunovic as options for Rodgers to call upon.
Verdict: 6/10 – Southampton are sure to have other targets and may prioritise those ahead of Sviatchenko. If the 25-year-old arrive, he is unlikely to be alone in his position.
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