Report shares Celtic and Crystal Palace target Ivan Saponjic’s plans

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Ivan Saponjic is hoping to fight for a chance to prove himself at Atletico Madrid before considering interest from the likes of Celtic and Crystal Palace, according to Spanish outlet AS.

Saponjic endured a frustrating first year with Diego Simeone’s side. He made just two appearances in La Liga, with one further outing coming in the Copa del Rey.

AS reports that both Celtic and Palace have registered an interest in signing the 23-year-old this summer.

However, it appears that both clubs will have to wait a little longer if they hope to stand a chance of signing the Serbian during this window.

According to AS, Saponjic is desperate to earn a chance with Atletico, meaning that he is ready to ignore the interest in him for the time-being.

The report notes that he took little time off following last season before he started working with a personal trainer. And he is hoping to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way as he looks to make the grade in Spain.

TBR View: Saponjic’s stance not ideal for Celtic or Palace

It may be a blow for the likes of Celtic and Palace that Saponjic is prioritising staying at Atletico. Of course, that stance could change should that chance not come his way.

In fairness, it does not appear to be the kind of setback that either side cannot bounce back from. Celtic have a large group of strikers.

Meanwhile, Palace have managed to bring Michy Batshuayi back on loan for the season.

So perhaps it should not be a huge surprise if either club is prepared to wait until later in the window in case Saponjic does experience a change of heart.