BENKO IS ALL YOURS CELTS
cover the four-month absence of Christopher Jullien through injury.
Record Sport believes that, at this stage, no move has been made with a variety of other backline options currently being assessed by Parkhead recruitment chiefs.
Benkovic, who has ended a loan stint at Cardiff, may move into consideration as the month progresses with boss Neil Lennon in need of a centre-back.
Rodgers says he would have no hesitation in sending Benkovic back to Glasgow if Celtic do decide to make a move.
He said: “It’s certainly a possibility. It’s a huge club and he did very well there.
“We haven’t had any contact but we will see what happens.
“Celtic would be a great move for him. He’s at the age where he needs to be playing and that didn’t materialise at Cardiff.
“I ’d never blame another manager for not playing someone because circumstances can change.
“It’s now a case of finding somewhere where he can get game time.”
Rodgers took Benkovic to Parkhead in August 2018 and the youngster played his part for him and successor Lennon en route to the Hoops sealing the treble Treble.
While Celtic are hunting a defender, Record Sport can confirm no bids were lodged for American star Mark McKenzie prior to him agreeing a £4million move to Genk last night.
The 21-year-old was monitored by Celtic while at MLS outfit Philadelphia Union but the decision was taken not to pursue a move for him. Any attempt by Al Hilal to land leftback Diego Laxalt will be doomed to fail.
Repor t s in Italy suggested the Saudi Arabian outfit made moves to his parent club AC Milan with a view to securing a permanent deal for the Uruguayan.
However, Laxalt wants to remain in Europe and the agreement reached with Celtic earlier in the campaign means the 27-year-old is secured at Parkhead for the rest of the 2020-21 season.
Lennon admits he hopes Celtic can repeat the form they showed after returning from their 2020 Dubai training camp and rebuild their shattered title dreams.
He told Celtic TV: “The players are refreshed and feel good after some warm weather so all of those effects will hopefully stand us in good stead.
“We’ve done this for the last four or five years and it’s been very beneficial – and certainly was last year – so we are hoping for more of the same this year.
“We need to get as many wins and as many points as we can.
“We have our targets and we’re not giving up on the league by any stretch of the imagination. But we’ll have to be really on it from here on in.”