Celtic are interested in signing Everton defender Phil Jagielka this summer, according to The Scottish Sun.

What’s the story?

The Hoops are on the hunt for centre-backs in the upcoming transfer window after the departures of Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic.

That duo were first-choice at the club for large portions of last season and new manager Neil Lennon needs to be bring in real quality to replace what they offered.

The Scottish Sun reckon that Jagielka is one of the players targeted by the club to do that after he left Everton last week upon the expiry of his contract.

The paper say that Celtic failed to sign the 40-cap England international in January and will return for him now Lennon is in charge.

How does Neil Lennon turn his doubters into believers? The answer lies in the video below…

What Celtic need?

As mentioned, the need for defenders at Celtic is strong, but that doesn’t mean the club should abandon a signing profile that has kept the success flowing at Celtic Park in recent years.

The most successful transfers at the Hoops in recent years have been for young, hungry players with something to prove, potential to grow into and eventually allowing the club to recoup a big transfer fee.

Jagielka may have immense experience at English Premier League level but he’s now 36 years of age and would likely want to be made one of the higher earners at Parkhead.

If Lennon’s squad was lacking experience he might be useful but with players such as Scott Brown around then this is a dressing room that already has plenty of winning leadership.

Having made just seven appearances for the Toffees last term too, there are also serious question marks about his ability to play regularly.

Celtic would be better off finding a defender that fits their recruitment profile, rather than chasing English top-flight big names who are clearly past it.