Jens Berthel Askou could now ruin Celtic’s Zinedin Smajlovic transfer ambitions amid record fee claims
Jens Berthel Askou was heavily linked to the Celtic manager position before he made the move to Toulouse last month.
The former Motherwell boss is now preparing for life in Ligue 1, and is reportedly keen on Zinedin Smajlovic.
The Sandefjord centre-back is a reported Celtic target as they look to finally end their defensive woes.
Now, TV2 on 1 June has reported that Toulouse have joined the race for the 22-year-old this summer.
Celtic now face a battle to complete the deal for Smajlovic.
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VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUBCeltic need to pay £2.6m+ for Zinedin Smajlovic
The report states that Sandefjord want a record fee for Smajlovic this summer if they are to part ways in the transfer window.
| Zinedin Smajlovic’s Eliteserien stats this season | Per 90 minutes |
| Shots | 0.80 |
| Assists | 0.10 |
| Long ball accuracy | 59.6% |
| Duels won | 61.2% |
| Tackles | 1.81 |
| Recoveries | 8.23 |
The club expects hectic activity around the defender this summer, with Celtic, Toulouse and Feyenoord all making contact with Sandefjord to be updated on his situation.
Bids are expected over the coming months, with the Norwegian club wanting a record fee for Smajlovic, which currently stands at £2.6million.
It remains to be seen if the Hoops are willing to cough up such an amount as they look to reinforce their backline, which has been plagued with injuries throughout the 2025-26 season.
What are Celtic’s summer transfer plans?
Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Celtic will be targeting high-profile players towards the end of the summer transfer window.
The board are set to see if the club are able to qualify for the Champions League’s league phase.
Due to the Hoops’ Scottish Premiership title victory, in August, they will play a playoff tie, which will dedicate if they will play in the league phase of the Champions League or the Europa League for the 2026-27 campaign.
Last August against minnows Kairat Almaty, Celtic were defeated, but they will fancy their chances of progression to the league stage under a new manager this time around.
Progression into the Champions League’s league phase will transform Celtic’s transfer plans and see them become highly ambitious due to the financial boost that it will give the club.
However, it remains to be seen if the Hoops are able to achieve this, and if this will affect their current pursuit of Smajlovic this summer.
Target: Elijah Just (Motherwell)
Long-term: Carter-Vickers out
League Pos: 2nd (61 pts)
Status: Summer Talks Underway
Revenue: £143.6m (2025)