Celtic will resist new Torino bid for Jozo

CELTIC are poised to reject any January bids from Serie A club Torino for defender Jozo Simunovic. The Italians saw a £3.75million move for the Croat collapse in August when they tried to use an old injury to renegotiate the deal. However, Sportsmail has learned Torino had a scout at the Etihad Stadium watching the 22-year-old in Celtic’s Champions League draw with Manchester City last week. And the impending departure of transfer-listed central defender Cesare Bovo to struggling Pescara in the New Year is expected to prompt a new bid. Celtic have been made aware of the possible resurrection of an interest in their £3m purchase from Dinamo Zagreb. Since September, however, Simunovic has emerged as a key player for Brendan Rodgers — making 13 appearances. The fee required to tempt Celtic now would need to be substantially higher than the price agreed in August. Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Swansea have also kept tabs on the defender. Speaking earlier this season, Rodgers said: ‘I see Jozo’s future very much here at the club. ‘He has been out injured and probably hasn’t had that consistent a run as a Celtic player. ‘But he has everything, really. He is good in the air, quick and serves the ball well.’