CELTIC have stepped up their efforts to land long-term target Dinamo Zagreb defender Filip Benkovic after watching him net for his club at the weekend.

Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers is desperate for defensive cover after injuries to Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko this season.

1 Benkovic in action for Dinamo Zagreb Credit: Getty Images - Getty

The Parkhead club were first linked with the centre-back at the start of the year as Rodgers looked to strengthen his squad in January.

And the Scottish champions were again strongly linked with a move for exciting 20-year-old Croatian Under 21 star Benkovic before the last transfer deadline day.

But the move came to nothing, with reports Dinamo were asking for too much money for the highly-rated stopper.

However, Celtic could be set to go in again for him after scouting him at the weekend 2-2 draw at Hadjuk Split, where he netted an 89th minute equaliser.

Celtic were also linked with a move for him a year ago, but were reportedly scared off by Dinamo's incredible £17 million price tag.

The 6ft 4in defender signed a five-year deal with Dinamo in January and Celtic would have to dig deep to land the Croatian talent.

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