Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that centre-back Filip Benkovic will be allowed to leave on loan before the transfer window closes if they can bring in a replacement.
Celtic have reportedly joined Bristol City and Derby County in the battle to sign the Croatian this week, and Rodgers says he wants to see the defender get some minutes under his belt away from the King Power Stadium:
“We’re hopeful that will be sooner rather than later, over the next few days if we can bring in a centre half then that will give him a chance to get out. He definitely needs the games and we’re hoping that will take place.”
Fans on Twitter are calling on the club to re-sign Benkovic:
It’s a no brainer, why wouldn’t he come here?
— Anthony Harris ????️⚽ (@harrisanthonys) 26 January 2020
Bring him home
— Ian (@GlasgowBhoy) 26 January 2020
People were desperate for Wanyama ( no idea why ) I’d take Benkovic as my first choice.
— Celtic Da (@Celtic67Champs) 26 January 2020
I think Celtic should try and get him without the loan. Already know what he’s capable of. Money is in bank. A decade’s worth of work is on the line in the coming months. No need to penny pinch.
— ʕ ᵔᴥᵔ ʔ (@DCXCAy) 26 January 2020
£25m brought in fae KT n prob £30m fae Eddy in the summer….
A loan with a view to buy doesn’t seem that far fetched.
I’d be happy either way, loan or a loan with option to buy???— Dom Shv7 ??? (@Shiv1888) 26 January 2020
We won’t go for him although a think 100% we should
— chivs (@CHIVS105) 26 January 2020
100% agree
— Mark Carey (@brianfantanaaa) 26 January 2020
Benkovic has had his injury problems which may be a concern to manager Neil Lennon. The 22-year-old only played four games under the Irishman before his loan spell ended at Parkhead.
His availability on loan will, though, certainly make him an attractive possibility, adding an extra body to the club’s centre-back options. Christopher Jullien, Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic are currently the club’s three recognised centre-halves in the squad, while Hatem Abd Elhamed and Nir Bitton can also cover in that position.