Former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has opened the door for Filip Benkovic to return to Glasgow as the Hoops mull over a host of defensive options.
The Leicester City manager has admitted he would be happy to send the Croat back to his former club with the 23-year-old now available for a loan.
Celtic are aware of the Benkovic situation as they hunt defensive reinforcements to cover the four-month injury absence of Christopher Jullien.
Record Sport understands that, at this stage of the window, no move has been made with a variety of other backline alternatives currently being assessed by Parkhead recruitment chiefs.
However, Benkovic may yet move into consideration as the month progresses with manager Neil Lennon in need of a centre-back due to the long-term absence of his French stopper with a serious knee injury.
The defender spent the first half of this season at Cardiff City, but was recalled after just a solitary appearance.
Rodgers says he would have no hesitation sending Benkovic back to Glasgow if Celtic do decide to make a move after the youngster had a successful loan spell under the manager two seasons ago.
He said: “It’s certainly a possibility. It’s a huge club and he did very well there. We haven’t had any contact, but he’s back now and we will see what happens.
“Celtic would be a great move for him. He’s at the age where he really needs to be playing and that didn’t quite materialise at Cardiff.
“I would never blame another manager for not playing someone because circumstances can change all the time but unfortunately it didn’t work out.
“It’s quite simple really, it’s now a case of finding somewhere where he can go next and get some game time.”
Rodgers took Benkovic to Parkhead in August 2018 and the youngster played his part for him and then successor Lennon as the Hoops managed to secure a third successive Treble.
Celtic are hunting a defender, but Record Sport can confirm no bids were lodged for American star Mark McKenzie prior to him agreeing a £4million move to Genk.
The 21-year-old was monitored by Celtic recruitment staff as he looked to clinch a transfer out of MLS outfit Philadelphia Union, but the decision was taken not to pursue a move which led to the defender heading for Belgium’s Jupiler League.
Meanwhile, any attempt from Al Hilal to land Diego Laxalt will be doomed to failure.
Reports in Italy suggested the Saudi Arabian outfit made moves to the left-back’s parent club AC Milan with a view to securing a permanent deal for the Uruguayan.
However, Laxalt wants to remain in Europe and, in any case, the agreement reached with Celtic when he signed earlier in the campaign means the 27-year-old is secured at Parkhead for the remainder of the 2020-21 term.
