Lazio have joined Newcastle in the race for Jozo Simunovic.
According to a report in the Evening Times the Celtic defender has caught the eye of the Italian giants.
Newcastle watched Simunovic help Celtic lift the Scottish Cup against Aberdeen last month and were first linked with the 22-year-old in January.
Despite being an important part of Celtic’s treble winning squad doubts continue about Simunovic’s future with his transfer from Croatia Zagreb in 2015 heavily weighted towards being sold on.
Last August the defender almost joined Torino but the Italian side requested a loan deal that would become permanent after one match due to concerns about the players fitness.
His first season in Glasgow was badly effected by injury but under Brendan Rodgers he showed the sort of form that brought about his £3m transfer just as Virgil van Dijk was being sold to Southampton.
Rafa Benitez is a fan of the Simunovic’s straightforward approach to the game and is confident that he could adapt quickly to playing in the Premier League.
