According to reports in the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are among a host of clubs keeping a close eye on £9m-rated Celtic centre-back Jozo Simunovic with a view to making a summer move.

Following a string of fine performances at the heart of the defence – including in the Brendan Rodgers’ side’s brilliant 5-1 win against arch-rivals Rangers in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Saturday – the 22-year-old has attracted interest from sides all across Europe.

The Magpies are said to have been joined in the race to sign the Croatian by West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace, Torino, RB Leipzig, Sevilla and Espanyol for the highly-rated defender.

Toon manager Rafa Benitez is keen to strengthen his squad following their immediate return to the Premier League in order to avoid being in another relegation scrap next season, and the Bhoys star looks to be a potential target.

Here are three reasons Newcastle must win the race to sign Simunovic…

Performances and potential

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The Croatian – who only joined the Bhoys in 2015 – nearly joined Torino last summer after missing the last four months of the season following knee surgery, but the Italian moved the goalposts on the deal and he ended up staying at Celtic Park.

The 22-year-old has since gone on to become a first-choice starter at the heart of the defence under Brendan Rodgers and he has impressed with his committed performances – shown by a crunching tackle on Kenny Miller in the Old Firm derby on Saturday – and all-round defensive game.

At his age, there is still plenty of room for improvement too and that will be an attractive proposition for potential buyers.

His reported price tag

Britain Soccer Football - Dundee v Celtic - Scottish Premiership - Dens Park - 19/3/17 Celtic's Jozo Simunovic celebrates scoring their first goal with Dedryck Boyata and Scott Brown Reuters / Russell Cheyne Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account represe

At 22 years of age and with a seemingly bright future ahead of him, the reported £9m price tag that Simunovic is understood to be available for could prove to be something of a bargain for Newcastle.

Having won league titles in Croatia and Scotland already – as well as playing in the Champions League – the defender has plenty of experience despite being relatively young and the 6’3” centre-back could prove to be an imposing figure at the back for Rafa Benitez’s side in the Premier League next season.

The success of former Celtic players in the PL

While some may have their reservations on players coming to the Premier League from the Scottish Premiership and being able to replicate their performances from across the border, Benitez will be aware that a number of individuals have been a success after making the move in recent seasons.

Victor Wanyama moved to Southampton initially and then to Tottenham last summer, and he has been a key man in their midfield as they remain in the hunt for the top flight title.

Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk looks set to command a £50m fee at the end of the season with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City all interested in the impressive Saints defender.

Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.