Celtic have been handed a boost in their efforts to bring loanee Filip Benkovic back to the club next season, according to the Daily Record.
A previous report from TEAMtalk indicated that amid Leicester City defender Harry Maguire bring linked with Manchester United and Manchester City, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is close to signing Brighton’s Lewis Dunk as a potential replacement.
The Daily Record now claims that Benkovic – who Rodgers reportedly promised to consider loaning out again following his temporary stint at Parkhead last term – will subsequently fall down the pecking order at Leicester and so a move north of the border again would be entirely possible.
OPINION
Having Benkovic back for another season would be great news for Celtic fans. The 21-year-old was solid at the back for the Hoops last term, making 30 appearances in all competitions and chipping in with two goals and one assists. It was in the Scottish Premiership that the defender was most effective though, as in that competition he made 19 outings and came up with all three of the aforementioned goal contributions. In fact, Benkovic had that good a season that he was rewarded with his first call-up to the Croatia national team at the end of the campaign. He is a solid option and provides a good alternative to Jozo Simunovic, whose injury record is not the best. Overall, Benkovic had a fantastic season under both Rodgers and Neil Lennon at Celtic last season, and he would be a great option to have again next term due to his attitude and willingness to put the work in for the team.