Report: Celtic defender could replace West Ham bound enforcer at Alaves

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La Liga outfit Alaves have identified Celtic enforcer Jozo Simunovic as a potential summer signing, according to The Scottish Sun.

The 24-year-old is under contract at Celtic until 2021 and will cost the Spanish club in the region of £4 million.

A central defender, Simunovic has struggled with injuries this season. He has been restricted to just 12 starts in the Scottish Premiership following a series of niggles.

Alaves are likely to in the market for a central defender given that their main defensive star, Guillermo Maripan, is a £22 million target for West Ham United, according to Football London.

The Chilean has been in great form in La Liga this season but it leaves Alaves with a void to fill. Simunovic might not possess as much quality as Maripan. He does, however, represent a cheaper alternative; leaving boss Abelardo Fernández money to play with.

TBR Verdict

Although Simunovic has proved injury-prone during his time with the Hoops, his departure would reiterate the club’s need to strengthen. Dedryck Boyata is edging closer to a switch to Hertha Berlin and that leaves just Kristoffer Ajer as the club’s main central defender.

That said, the former Croatian Under-21 international won’t be a massive loss to Celtic. His four years at the club have been largely frustrating and £4 million would represent good business for the Hoops.

It is vital that Celtic strengthen their defensive ranks with a player in the mould of Boyata, rather than one with similar fitness concerns to Simunovic.

The Chilean is a better player than Simunovic and supporters will hope that the Celtic man isn’t the last player to arrive during the summer.