Celtic face battle with Lazio for Bristol City's Swedish star Niclas Eliasson

Celtic are ready to swoop for Swedish Under-21 star Niclas Eliasson.

The Hoops have already spent £5.5 million in the January window to bring Patryk Klimala and Ismaila Soro to the club.

Now boss Neil Lennon wants to add Bristol City winger Eliasson as he bids to boost the club’s bid to win nine-in-a-row.

The 24-year-old, who holds Brazilian citizenship, is out of contract in the summer with his club holding an option to keep him for another year.

Robins manager Lee Johnson has already stated publicly he hopes that will happen but Celtic hope to strike a deal to take him north.

They face competition, however, with sources in Italy last night reporting Lazio also to be in the hunt.

The Serie A side’s sports director Igli Tare is an admirer of the player and has persuaded coach Simone Inzaghi to try and pick him up.

And, crucially, they could have an edge over Celtic as they would be prepared to let the player stay with Bristol City until the end of the season.

Niclas Eliasson of Bristol City celebrates after scoring against Barnsley last week

The Celtic manager was cool on the possibility of Filip Benkovic returning to the club on loan again

“I don’t know is the answer,” he said.

“I only worked with Filip for a short term, but I know he had a good impact here last season, so hopefully we’ll be looking to bring one or two in this week.”

He is, however, ready to urge the Celtic board to deal Jozo Simunovic in.

The Croatian is out of contract in the summer, when the club have an option to extend for another season.

Talks have been scheduled but the defender’s injury issues – he has made just 70 appearances in 5 years at Celtic Park – mean it is no foregone conclusion.

However, after seeing Simonovic make a smooth return to action this month the Hoops manager is ready to speak up on his behalf.

“I’d like to get him tied down because I think he is a top player who is pretty consistent when he plays as well,” he said.

“He did great for me at the tail end of last season. He needed the reconstructive surgery and he has come through it really well and am delighted with his performances so far.”

Jeremie Frimpong will miss Wednesday’s trip to St Johnstone but there is positive news otherwise.

“Ajer will be training on Monday, Christie will be back in the squad, and the likes of Elyounoussi aren’t far away too. Bitton will maybe be another week, so we’re getting some quality back.

“The players who are out there at the minute though are doing a great job.”