Toon target Sim’s a man in demand

JOZO Simunovic’s agent admits there has been “interest” in the Celtic defender - but no official offers have yet been received.

Newcastle United have closely watched the 22-year-old for a number of months and the former Dinamo Zagreb centreback is believed to have impressed Magpie scouts.

United manager Rafa Benitez wants to bring in two centrebacks this summer and, though talks are on-going for Eibar’s Florian Lejeune, Simunovic is one of a number of other defensive targets Newcastle are considering making a move for.

However, the Magpies are now the only Premier League club who hold an interest in the Hoops defender, both Huddersfield Town and Burnley also monitoring Simunovic’s situation at Celtic Park.

Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, who have qualified for next season’s Champions League, as well as La Liga clubs Sevilla and Espanyol, have also watched the Croatian under-21 international as have Spartak Moscow.

Scottish treble-winners Celtic are likely to demand a fee in excess of £8million for Simunovic this summer and the Croatian’s agent admits he has received contact from a number of clubs.

However, it is believed the defender himself would prefer to move to the Premier League this summer.

Zoran Krneta, who works for Star Sports and Entertainment and represents Simunovic, said.

“Jozo is in no rush to make a decision.

“We have clubs calling showing an interest all the time but as far as I am aware no offers have been made.

“I am sure (Celtic chief executive) Peter Lawwell will let us know if an offer is accepted but until then he is looking forward to next season with Celtic.”

Benitez is hoping to bring in at least one centre-back this summer, Grant Hanley likely to depart, though he would ideally like to recruit both a youthful and a more-experienced defender.

Jamaal Lascelles captained Newcastle to the Championship title in 2016/17 and, aside from a few questionable displays, formed a strong partnership alongside the excellent Ciaran Clark.

Simunovic’s lack of Premier League experience remains a slight concern, which is why Benitez is also exploring further options.