Celtic have been struck with a blow in the race for Filip Benkovic, with Middlesbrough reportedly leading the chase for his signature.
According to the Daily Mail, the Championship side will sign Benkovic if Leicester secure another defender. The Foxes don’t appear to be willing to let him leave if they don’t.
Unfortunately for us, however, the Mail have claimed that he will sign for Middlesbrough if Leicester let him leave in this current window. It would also be a loan deal until the end of the season.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon was asked about Benkovic after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Ross County. Unsurprisingly, the Hoops manager was non-committal on whether he would make a move for him or not (The Scotsman).
Benkovic spent the vast majority of last season on loan at Celtic, making 27 appearances for us under both Brendan Rodgers and Lennon (Transfermarkt). Interestingly, however, after Neil came in, Benkovic only managed to play on four occasions.
A disappointing blow if he signs for Middlesbrough
It wouldn’t surprise you if this is a deal that did indeed go ahead. Leicester may feel that a move to the Championship side is what’s next for Benkovic’s development. However, at the same time, Celtic are in the middle of a huge title race.
Celtic can offer Benkovic that rare experience of going for trophies. What we instill into our players is a winning mentality, and Rodgers will know all about that too. It would be interesting to know what Rodgers thinks would be best for his improvement.
Of course, we haven’t been reported as launching an official offer in for the Croatian youngster. It could be the case that Lennon doesn’t actually want him. However, given the fact we’re being forced to play Jozo Simunovic on astroturf, bringing Benkovic in temporarily would be ideal at the moment.
Whether he walks into our starting line-up would be debatable. He would still have to compete against both Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer. That would be a daunting task, regardless of the latter’s slight dip in form.
Even if Middlesbrough are the favourites for his signature, it would be ideal to see Celtic make a move. We should at least be giving him something to think about.
Regardless, it’s disappointing to see Middlesbrough reportedly head the chase for him. Hopefully, that doesn’t signal the end of Celtic’s interest in this one, if we even have any.
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