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According to the Daily Record, Brendan Rodgers has stated that he would like to have Filip Benkovic in his Leicester squad for pre-season in the summer.

Former manager Rodgers will have confirmed many fans’ fears over the Croatian defender.

Man were hopeful of Benkovic staying for at least another season. However, Rodgers’s latest comments seem to completely rule that out.

The Daily Record are reporting that Rodgers wants to bring all his loanees back into the Leicester squad next season.

Rodgers said: “All the loan players will look to come back and then we will decide where we will go from there.”

Benkovic has made 24 appearances for the Bhoys since his loan move in August.

The loan move came shortly after his £13m move from Dinamo Zagreb to Leicester.

It was always very unlikely that Celtic would be able to tempt the Foxes into dealing the defender without having a proper look at him themselves.

Now, in a cruel twist of fate, it is Rodgers who left Celtic for Leicester who will be the man to confirm the fans’ worst fears.

Although it may be upsetting, this news won’t come as a surprise to any Celtic fan.

They know that Rodgers can see what they have – Benkovic is an outstanding defender.

The former manager knows all about the Croatian stopper and it won’t shock anyone if he pitches him into the Leicester defence next season.

The early hint from Rodgers will give the Celtic staff (or what’s left of it after Rodgers’s departure) time to replace Benkovic.

Filiping the switch

Rodgers did not categorically state Benkovic is in his plans for next season.

However, if Benkovic impresses during pre-season like he has at Celtic, they won’t be getting him back.

It will be a blow to Celtic, and many fans know the day he leaves the club is coming.

Ironically, the man who brought him to Celtic will be the one taking him away.