With Celtic still on the lookout for a centre-back, we take a look at Filip Benkovic – the Hoops’ latest defensive target.
According to The Daily Mail, Celtic are interested in taking the Leicester City stopper on-loan. The Croatian only signed for the Foxes this summer, but has struggled for game-time since the season started.
The prospect of a loan deal isn’t likely to enthuse supporters. War has raged between fans and the club over a lack of investment in the playing side this season. The Hoops have raked in millions of pounds over the last two years through Champions League revenue.
However, for now, speculation will continue over Benkovic in the coming days. Yet who is the young centre-back Rodgers reportedly wants so badly before the deadline on Friday night?
Who is Filip Benkovic?
The 21-year-old is a Croatian centre-back who came through the ranks at Dinamo Zagreb. Benkovic was just 18-years-old when he made his debut for the Zagreb first-team.
However, the exposure only seen him thrive at Dinamo, and he also took part in the Champions League that season also.
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Benkovic was a standout last season as Dinamo romped to the Croatian Premier League title. The defender made 30 appearances and found the net four times during a huge breakout campaign for him.
Despite being regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Croatian football, Benkovic hasn’t feature for his country. Leicester seen enough to splash the cash though and spend £13million on him.
Big-club speculation
Inter Milan and Chelsea also had a strong interest in Benkovic. However, Leicester were the side to make their move as he headed to England.
Even though an international cap hasn’t transpired, Benkovic has appeared at each age level up to under-21s. An achilles injury, however, curtailed his international career. As it stands, the defender has only made one appearance for the under-21s.
It appears as though Benkovic’s injury concerns are now behind him though. The Croatian is looking forward to a productive season ahead, as Celtic look set to make their move.