Filip Benkovic appears to be nearing a move to Belgium with OH Leuven keen on the Croatian defender. Earlier today, John Kennedy confirmed that Benkovic was one name that Celtic were looking at as they look to strengthen the central defender position.
The Daily Mail are claiming that Celtic’s indecision has led to Leicester sanctioning a deal, taking the 23-year-old to the Belgian outfit until the end of the season. The report also states that Rodgers is looking to sign a new central defender with Benkovic unlikely to make a claim for a first team slot with the Premier League outfit.
There has been no official confirmation of a deal so there is a small amount of hope that Celtic may yet strike a deal with Leicester, allowing Benkovic to make the decision regarding his future. Leuven currently have two loanees from Leicester on their books as well as ex-Leicester midfielder Andy King. The club appear to be an affiliate for Leicester and to be used to get game time for young players.
However, if it transpires that Benkovic is off to Belgium, it means that Celtic have missed out on another defensive target due to indecision. Mark McKenzie sealed a switch to Genk earlier this week as Celtic continue to scour the market for a replacement defender with Christopher Jullien set to be out for four months.