Celtic could reportedly step up their pursuit of Gvidas Gineitis if they secure their place in the Champions League.
The Torino midfielder has remained on Celtic’s radar throughout the summer, despite recent suggestions that a deal for the 22-year-old was becoming increasingly difficult.
However, a fresh report from Italy claims the Hoops have not abandoned their interest and could return with a stronger proposal if Martin O’Neill guides his side into the Champions League phase.
That possibility has moved significantly closer following Celtic’s impressive 3-0 victory over LASK at Parkhead in the first leg of their play-off.
Italian journalist Giacomo Morandin reports that the financial windfall from Champions League qualification could allow Celtic to intensify their pursuit of the Lithuania international.
Torino are now said to value Gineitis at around €10million.
The report also claims an offer worth approximately €7.5m was rejected earlier in the summer, although that figure should be treated with caution.
Gineitis’ agent, Dmitry Vinokurov, previously confirmed contact from Celtic but made clear at the time that no official proposal had been submitted.
Vinokurov said: “Some representatives of Celtic contacted me, but I haven’t received any offer yet. I appreciate their efforts and I’m ready to cooperate, but I also have to continue working on other options for Gvidas.”
While the €7.5m figure is now being reported in Italy, there has therefore been no confirmation that Celtic formally lodged a bid of that value.
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2 Comments
Again it sounds like whether the pay demands will actually fit into our payment structure, before a contract can be considered imo?
Still believe that we would operate upon a europa league budget, which allows for bonus payments for CL?
Maybe some clarity could be made at the AGM, than looking to disrupt the whole thing this year, might be far more productive imo?
Still unclear upon what type of profile of midfielder that we still require?
There might only be a handful of matches this season, where our midfield options will have to sit in moreso in our central midfield areas imo?
Calmac potentially is our best option available at present, even if I wouldn’t regard his defensive side of his game as that great either imo?
But still better than what Nygren, Ox and McCowan offer, and still have to wait until Tuesday against Lask, to see what Baur can provide?
Still believe that there is a place for another holding midfield, especially with greater defensive quality factors than Calmac within our squad imo?
Whether that suits Calmac as a partnership, with him expected to advance moreso in attacking, on a more regular basis, is yet to be determined, within the thought process of MoN?
So potentially plenty for MoN to consider at present, and would be surprised if any decision is taken before the Lask tie is concluded imo?
The lure of CL football, is still our biggest attraction for incoming players?
But looking like MoN is also looking for the more committed players to be joining also, which could well be a deciding factor, especially if there isn’t much between the quality factor involved?
Celtic’s signing of Gvidas Ginetis appears to be hanging in the balance as to whether Celtic qualify for the C/L or not “WHY”. Celtic made 22 million on the sale of Arne Engles and made 11 million for Meada. Celtic haven’t spent anything like that to this point so why do we have to qualify for the C/L !?!? Celtic have over 100 million in Celtic PLC