According to the latest reports from Examiner Live, Fenerbahce are rivalling Celtic for the signature of Danish centre back Mathias Jorgensen. The defender is commonly known as Zanka, and the Turkish heavyweights have even put in a bid of €3.5m. Celtic are also reportedly keen on this Huddersfield Town defender.
It is no surprise to see teams targetting the best players from relegated clubs. However, the report adds that Huddersfield Town are in no hurry to sell their players this summer. Zanka has already entered the final year of his contract with the Terriers, so there is a good chance that they could look to sell the defender if their valuation is met.
Why are Celtic after a centre back?
Celtic recently wrapped up the signing of Christopher Jullien for huge money, and it remains to be seen whether the Hoops would again splurge upwards of €3m to sign another centre back. The club lost the services of Dedryck Boyata, so it was no surprise to see Neil Lennon going after a strong and dominant centre back in Jullien to replace him.
Filip Benkovic also played a significant role last season in the heart of the defence. However, he was only on a season-long loan, and it is still unclear whether the Bhoys will be able to get him again in the summer.
Will Zanka be a good bet?
Zanka made 25 appearances for Huddersfield last season in all competitions and contributed with three goals. The defender has valuable experience of playing in the English top flight, and that could come in handy for the Hoops.
The Denmark international is known for his strength and aggression, and we feel that his game is tailor-made for the Scottish Premiership. Zanka is strong in the air, and the defenders would find it hard to go past him. He also has the knack of scoring from set pieces on the opposite end of the pitch.
What should Lennon do?
The partnership of Jullien and Zanka can be a formidable one, and Lennon should definitely try his luck in luring the Huddersfield defender to Scotland. Fenerbahce have already made a bid so Lennon might have to step up his pursuit. The Turkish heavyweights finished sixth last season in their league so they won’t have any European football to offer to the 29-year-old centre back. So that is something which can go Celtic’s way.
