Former Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko has refused to distance himself on rumours linking him with a Parkhead return.
The Lowdown: Sviatchenko linked with Celtic return
Reports earlier this month suggested that the 29-year-old is in line for a return to Glasgow. Sviatchenko is thought to be on a list of potential transfer targets for new manager Ange Postecoglou.
He has a buyout clause in his FC Midtjylland contract and also is attracting interest from the Premier League, according to The Daily Record.
Should Sviatchenko remain with the Danish giants, he could well line up against Postecoglou in his first competitive game as Celtic boss after the two clubs were drawn against each other in the Champions League qualifiers.
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The Latest: Sviatchenko’s comments
Talking to Danish outlet Tipsbladet regarding his future, cited by Glasgow Live, Sviatchenko said: "It is always difficult to comment on such rumours. We'll see what happens.”
He added:
"Of course I also understand that Midtjylland is really happy that they have me, but we have also had a clear agreement and indication that when the right thing comes, I also get the chance for it.
"But of course there must also be that interest. And the interest is there, but it has to go up in a higher level.
"That’s why I always find it hard to comment on rumours. In two weeks there is suddenly something and then it is a new situation. It may also be that there is nothing.
"But I have told my people that if the right thing comes, then of course I am really interested.
"And if not, then I have also indicated that I am obviously motivated and ready for new times. So we have to see how it develops."
The Verdict: A smart move?
Sviatchenko won six major honours with the Hoops during his first stint at the club, so it’s safe to say he knows what it takes to succeed in Scotland.
Brendan Rodgers was a big fan of the centre-back when the ex-Hoops boss had him at the club, playing 45 times under his watch, and praised him for conducting his own self-analysis during his time at Parkhead.
There should be space for him at Celtic this summer as well, especially if Kristoffer Ajer gets his wish and leaves for a top-five league.
Sviatchenko’s experience could help fellow centre-backs Stephen Welsh and Christopher Jullien going forward, and it seems as if he hasn’t written off a Celtic return just yet.
In other news: Postecoglou pushing Mario Vuskovic closer to Celtic move as news emerges, find out more here.