Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic being monitored by Crystal Palace and Newcastle

Crystal Palace and Newcastle are monitoring Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic. 

The 22-year-old saw a £4million move to Torino break down in the summer after the Italians tried to change the structure of the payments and raised concerns about a knee injury he suffered last season.

Celtic refused to sanction the deal and he returned to Scotland where he has since played five games so far this season after returning to full fitness.

Crystal Palace and Newcastle are monitoring highly-rated Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic

Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers is determined to keep hold of the Croatia Under 21 international

Simunovic has been capped nine times at U21 level for Croatia and has impressed manager Brendan Rodgers who said: 'He is a big talent.' 

'If you look at his profile, he is 6ft 3in, he is very dominant, strong, quick, can serve the ball and for a young player shows a wonderful mentality. 

'He is a player I really like and hopefully he can stay fit.'

Simunovic has been described by Rodgers as a 'big talent' with  a strong mentality