As reported by The Daily Mail, a number of clubs are keen on adding Croatian defender Jozo Simunovic to their ranks before the end of the January transfer window.

What's the story?

Celtic's incredible season so far under Brendan Rodgers means their talented squad is attracting the attention of a number of clubs this January and the latest star at the centre of that attention is Jozo Simunovic.

The Mail say the defender is wanted by the likes of Newcastle, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and even clubs on the continent like Espanyol and old suitors Torino.

Celtic are thought to be unwilling to part with the big defender who has impressed Brendan Rodgers over the last 8 months.

Sell or keep?

Jozo Simunovic nearly departed the club last summer after a deal to move him to Torino progressed to the point of him having a medical but since then he has established himself as a key Hoops player.

The Croatian has played 20 games for Celtic this season and has lost only one of them, a 2-0 home defeat to Barcelona.

He's formed a fantastic partnership with Erik Sviatchenko and recently Dedryck Boyata, impressing Celtic fans with his strong defensive play and ability to play it out from the back.

Unless the Bhoys are offered silly money for the defender they should be in no rush to sell him, especially with vital European qualifiers to come later this year, a gauntlet that needs established players and has no time for new players or untested defensive line-ups.

Celtic are in a strong position financially so if clubs like Newcastle or Crystal Palace are interested in his services as reported, it'd likely take a significant offer to tempt them into selling, especially on deadline day with little scope for a replacement.

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