Italian side want Jozo Simunovic

Celtic centre-back Jozo Simunovic is attracting interest from Italy as he returns to light training after a long period on the sidelines through injury.

Italian side Torino have registered an interest for the defender according to Gianluca Di Marzio, who is still recovering from knee surgery he underwent in March.

The Turin-based side were interested in Simunovic last summer when he still played for Dinamo Zagreb and are stepping up their pursuit of the defender this summer once again.

Simunovic last played in a Hoops jersey on January 23rd against St Johnstone before discovering the full extent of his knee injury, which he had been playing through for over a month.

He has made just 17 appearances for Celtic since signing on deadline day last year for a fee of around £3 million, and scored once against Dundee United.

The Croatian Under-21 international will be hoping to return in the coming weeks as Celtic will hope to go in search of Champions League football once again against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

Celtic had to cope without their big summer signing from last year, and were thankful that they acquired Erik Sviatchenko in January.

With the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, Kolo Toure has also been added to the ranks bolstering their options in the heart of the side.

Any move away from Celtic after just one season seems very unlikely, and the Hoops now know they have a player who is being sought after despite his long-term injury.