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Should Celtic make bid for Trent Sainsbury amid Simunovic uncertainty?

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Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic is reportedly attracting attention, and Brendan Rodgers should perhaps prepare in case he looks set to leave.

Celtic's Croatian-born Bosnian defender Jozo Simunovic (L) vies with Zenit St Petersburg's Russian forward Aleksandr Kokorin during the UEFA Europa League football match between Celtic and...

According to a recent report from the Daily Record, Celtic may have to respond to offers for Jozo Simunovic this summer with Ligue 1 side Lille eyeing a move for the 23-year-old.

Simunovic has endured a mixed time at Parkhead. On his day, he arguably looks the best centre-back in the Scottish Premiership by some distance, but he has previously struggled with injuries and his form has not always given Brendan Rodgers reason for confidence.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen during a training session at Lennoxtown Training Centre on April 27, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland.

A tempting offer for the former Croatia youth international should arguably leave Celtic seriously considering letting Simunovic leave. And if they do let him go – though Rodgers has played down the chances of that happening, as reported by the Record – then perhaps the Hoops should look at Tom Rogic’s international teammate Trent Sainsbury after his extremely encouraging World Cup campaign.

Australia may have fallen at the group stage in Russia, but their displays against France and Denmark were impressive and Sainsbury was one of the players who performed well as both games ended in narrow losses to the European pair. It must not be forgotten what France have subsequently shown in the competition when it comes to going forward.

Trent Sainsbury of Australia has his shot saved by Hugo Lloris of France during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group C match between France and Australia at Kazan Arena on June 16, 2018 in...

The Sun on Sunday (24/06; page 60) recently suggested that Sainsbury would be available for a bargain amount this summer, and that Aston Villa are keen on his signature. And Celtic should certainly consider joining the race if any of their centre-backs move on during this window.

The Jiangsu Suning ace should still have his best years in front of him, and he may perhaps appreciate the chance to make the move to the Scottish Premiership champions when he considers what a spell at Parkhead has done for Rogic’s career.

And in Sainsbury, Rodgers may perhaps make a fantastic addition to his back line that would make the prospect of potentially losing Simunovic a lot easier to deal with for the Bhoys should they need to cross that bridge.