CELTIC supporters were shocked to hear that Jozo Simunovic would be leaving the club after five years with the Scottish Champions. The 25-year-old was released after the club opted against exercising their year extension meaning that Celtic will be forced to recruit in the defensive department as the club look to win an unprecedented 10IAR.

The Glasgow Times is reporting that Celtic are ‘monitoring’ Serie A defender Pawel Dawidowicz from Hellas Verona. The 25-year-old Polish International has played 14 times this season scoring once.

Although, should Celtic wish to secure the services of Dawidowicz, they would need to pay a fee as the Polish defender has a contract until 2022 with the Italian side who sit 8th in Serie A.

Celtic have just two first team central defenders at the club with Christopher Jullien and Kris Ajer; however, youngster Stephen Welsh, Nir Bitton and Hatem Abd Elhamed can all play in the middle of the defence. Although Neil Lennon will be keen to recruit at least another defender following Simunovic departing.

Simunovic was plagued by injuries during his time in Glasgow and whilst he could perform well when fit, the fact that he was injured a great deal is likely the reason behind the decision to not extend his deal. Celtic will need to recruit well in order to ensure that they replace Simunovic with quality as Neil Lennon’s side chase the unprecedented 10-in-a-row.