Celtic favourite Callum McGregor desperate for defender Jozo Simunovic to stay

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Callum McGregor has called on Celtic to keep Jozo Simunovic at the club, The Scottish Sun reports. Simunovic has been linked with a summer exit but McGregor wants Celtic to keep their key players.

According to another report by The Scottish Sun, the Croatian defender is a £4m target for La Liga side Deportivo Alaves. With Guillermo Maripan set to leave, Alaves have identified Simunovic as their ideal central defensive replacement.

Celtic are already losing Filip Benkovic when his loan expires, while another centre-back has already departed: Dedryck Boyata has joined Hertha Berlin for next season.

McGregor wants the Bhoys to keep the core of their squad. With a big 2019/20 ahead, Celtic need to have their best players remaining at Parkhead.

The Scotland midfielder said: “Jozo has been brilliant since the manager changed. He’s come up with big goals and looks a real top player again.

“He always had that in the locker but the last few months he’s brought that to the table again and I’m not surprised clubs are looking.

“But obviously we want our top players here to give us a chance to rebuild with the numbers we need. It’s important we keep the big players.”

With Boyata and Benkovic departing, Celtic’s defensive ranks would be severely depleted if Benkovic follows them two out of the exit door.

Simunovic formed an impressive partnership with Kristoffer Ajer. And Celtic fans would like to see this again next season. So rejecting Alaves’ offer could be the best solution.