Celtic look set to compete with ex-Motherwell manager Jens Berthal Askou for defensive target Zinedin Smajlovic…
The club are in the midst of period of significant change; with a season that garnered a Double, yet at the same time, highlighted the glaring inadequacies behind the scenes at Celtic Park, with ongoing feuds developing between the hierarchy and fanbase.
With recent recruitment being sub-par and haphazard, the need for consistency and coherence once again in this department is essential, if we are to move forward as a football club and not be content to rule our little fiefdom in Scotland.
The European stage is where Celtic should and could be showing their might, prowess and pedigree, with supporters desperate to kick on and finally become a permanent fixture in the UEFA Champions League and more pertinent, the knockout rounds.
To do this, the club will require several upgrades in various areas of the squad and starting XI, with a whole raft of changes expected with incoming and outgoings this close season.
Defensively we have looked vulnerable this last year, particularly in Europe, but more concerningly, the domestic game too. That means we need reinforcement of the backline to sort this out and get us impervious once more.
This latest report coming out of Norway from TV2 outlet, claims that the Bhoys are set to battle it out with ex-Motherwell manager Jens Berthal Askou – who was previously thought to be a target for the club, until his subsequent move to Ligue 1 side Toulouse – for Sandefjord centre-back Zinedin Smajlovic.
The Bosnian is said to be courting interest from the likes of Feyenoord and Toulouse, as well as the Scottish Champions and Nordic phenomenon Bodo-Glimt.
Any potential move for the central defender would be contingent upon suitors willing to break the club’s current transfer record. The 22-year-old is said to be valued at around €3 million by Sandefjord at present and bids for the talented star are expected imminently.
Celtic has been linked with Smajlovic’s compatriot Benjamin Tahirovic of late, with the Brondby midfielder said to be of concrete interest to the Hoops too.
Paul Gillespie
HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…
Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!
