Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Celtic duo Efe Ambrose and Jozo Simunovic.
Celtic’s Efe Ambrose looks dejected
According to The Scottish Sun, Newcastle United are not only interested in signing Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic, but also fellow Bhoys centre back Efe Ambrose.
The Magpies have won promotion to the Premier League having clinched the Championship title with a 3-0 win over Barnsley on the final day of the season.
Now, with manager Rafael Benitez committing his future to the club, Newcastle will be focusing on bringing new signings to St. James’ Park, with a centre back potentially on Benitez’s transfer wish list.
Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark impressed this term, but Chancel Mbemba endured a difficult campaign, and Grant Hanley hasn’t been able to establish himself since signing from Blackburn Rovers last summer.
Now, The Scottish Sun report that Benitez is looking to raid Celtic, with Jozo Simunovic a prime target for the Magpies having impressed under Brendan Rdogers this season.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
The Croatian, snapped up from Dinamo Zagreb in 2015, was signed as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk, and whilst he struggled with injuries in his first season, the 22-year-old has shown real promise this term.
Simunovic isn’t the only Celtic defender attracting Newcastle’s attention though, as it’s also claimed that Efe Ambrose is a shock target for the Magpies, with his contract expiring this summer.
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi
Ambrose, 28, has been frozen out by Rodgers, and moved out on loan to Hibernian earlier this year, where he turned in impressive displays under Neil Lennon, putting himself in the shop window for this summer.
A Premier League move would be a huge shock for a defender long considered to be error-prone, but Newcastle are allegedly weighing up signing the Nigerian on a free transfer when his Celtic deal ends.
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