Celtic are interested in signing defender Phil Jagielka after it confirmed that he will leave Everton this summer, according to the Scottish Sun.
The newspaper claims that the Hoops attempted to sign the 36-year-old in January but were rebuffed in their efforts.
However it is understood that the Scottish champions will try again this summer now that the 40-times England international has been made available for a free transfer once his £50,000-a-week [Spotrac] contract expires at the end of this month.
It is understood that Celtic are “firmly in the frame” to sign Jagielka, who has also attracted attention from his former club Sheffield United after they were promoted back to the Premier League.
Good move for Celtic?
Jagielka is someone with a lot of experience having made 360 Premier League appearances in his career.
He has been a superb professional for Everton and Sheffield United, so Celtic would be very lucky to have a player like him on their books if they were to strike a deal this summer.
Celtic’s backline is likely to see a lot of change over the course of this summer and the centre-back area has had all sorts of issues during the last couple of seasons.
Jagielka would realistically only be around for one season or two at a push, which is an issue because Neil Lennon should be aiming to find a central partnership that can last several years.
As experienced as Jagielka is, he is someone who should be avoided.
This is Futbol rating 4/10
Likely to happen?
Celtic will surely need centre-backs this summer now Filip Benkovic has returned to Leicester and doubts remain about the future of Dedryck Boyata as he nears the end of his contract.
Kristoffer Ajer is error prone, but has potential and Jozo Simunovic has had all kinds of injury problems during his spell at Celtic Park.
Lennon could move for Jagielka, but Sheffield United are perhaps a more logical destination for the ex-England international.
This is Futbol rating 2/10