Celtic do not appear to be wasting any time as they have reportedly already opened talks for the January transfer target.
Celtic find themselves in a bit of a dilemma after the terrible start they have made to their season. We are still in early January and the title race might very well be over as the Hoops find themselves 19 points behind the Rangers in the Premiership table.
Reinforcements are clearly required and with a number of players looking to leave, the question is whether the rebuilding process should start now or in the summer. Although it might be wishful thinking at this point of time, you can never count out a Rangers collapse in the second half of the season. Thus, it might be worth holding on to the wantaway players for six more months.
It is unlikely that they will have a lot of money available to spend without any departures though. But a centre-back is desperately needed after Christopher Jullien suffered another long-term injury. And it looks like the club are wasting no time in pursuing a loan deal for Filip Benkovic.
Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph appeared to confirm the news on his Twitter:
"“Celtic are in talks with Leicester City to sign centre-back Filip Benkovic. He’s not part of Leicester’s short-term plans. They’ll listen to loan offers and would even sell for the right price. Celtic would prefer a loan deal, with an option to buy. Discussions ongoing.”"
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Following the failed loan deal for Shane Duffy, the club will be desperate to not repeat the same mistake. In fact, they cannot afford to if they are to get anything worthwhile out of this season.
Thankfully, Benkovic is someone who has already proven that he can cut it in Scottish football. He had become a fan favourite during his loan spell at Parkhead back in 2018/19, making 27 appearances for the Hoops.
Since then, his career has gone downhill though. He does not appear to be in Brendan Rodgers’ plans. And his loan spell at Cardiff City was cut short this month after he had made just one appearance in half-a-season there.
Still just 23 years of age, the Croatian will be desperate to prove his doubters wrong and play regular football somewhere. Celtic could provide the perfect opportunity to do that. And to be honest, it does look likely that the deal is going to go through judging from all the talk over the last few days.