Italian giants Lazio are eyeing up a summer swoop for Celtic enforcer Jozo Simunovic after identifying the 23-year-old as a potential replacement for Stefan de Vrij, according to Il Tempo.
The Rome-based newspaper report that Lazio have pinpointed Simunovic and St. Etienne defender Neven Subotic as two players who could be brought in to replace the departing Netherlands international.
Il Tempo claim that the main issue for Lazio will be price, as Celtic are expected to want to recoup as much of the £6.75million they shelled out for Simunovic as possible.
It is however said that Celtic’s glut of centre-backs, having just bought Jack Hendry and Marvin Compper in January, may see an exit materialise for Simunovic this summer.
Lazio centre-back de Vrij looks set for a summer exit after four years in Rome, with his contract set to end and the club announcing this week that they had withdrawn an offer of a new deal.
Good move for Celtic?
Well, it depends on what price they are able to negotiate for Simunovic.
Having paid £6.75million for his services in 2015, the Croatia youth international represents a big investment for the Hoops, and they will be keen to make that fee back if they are to sell.
In footballing terms, Simunovic does not look to be very high in the pecking order at Parkhead, despite having put in a few brilliant performances this season.
The acquisitions of Jack Hendry and Marvin Compper in January illustrate the competition present at the back for Celtic, and it may be the best move for the club to let Simunovic go.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
This depends on how high Lazio are willing to go for the 23-year-old enforcer.
If they are willing to shell out £6.75million or more for him, then it would seem likely that Celtic would accept.
If not, then a move is doubtful.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10