The £12 million-rated player's agent has confirmed that Celtic have made contact and that the player is open to the idea of moving to Parkhead.
Celtic are set to kick off their campaign with a game against Dundee FC today. They also have the chance to already open up a two-point gap over the Rangers after they could only manage a draw against Dundee United.
No matter how today's game goes, there has to be a recognition that more work needs to be done this summer. They have only made two additions so far, albeit quality ones.
The midfield needs particular focus. Arne Engels has already agreed personal terms with West Ham United and is likely to leave in this window. Reo Hatate is expected to be on his way out as well, after barely playing in the final few weeks of last season.
On the other hand, Celtic have been linked with multiple midfielders. The move for Mika Baur seems to have stalled. At the same time, it has been confirmed that the Hoops have made contact with an international midfielder from Serie A.
Midfielder's Agent Confirms Celtic Contact
According to CeltsAreHere, Gvidas Gineitis' agent, Dmitry Vinokurov, has said:
“Yes, people from Celtic have been in contact with me, but there was no offer yet.
“I appreciate their effort and am ready to cooperate, but I also have to keep working on other options for Gvidas.”
The player also seems open to the idea of leaving Torino and Serie A football for Celtic. Vinokurov said:
“Gvidas also appreciates the interest from such a big club and is ready to see the offer.”
Will Celtic Make Serious Offer for Gineitis?
Now, it remains to be seen if an offer will come in from Celtic or not. Last month, it was reported in the Italian media that it would take a transfer fee in the region of £9 million in order to even get Torino to the negotiating table over a move.
That being said, some more recent reports have claimed that the figure could be around £12 million, which would be a record sum for Celtic.
It was just last week that the club completed the record signing of Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt for a deal north of £11 million.
READ MORE: 'Opened talks' - More bad news for Celtic
Incidentally, the record before that was held by none other than Engels, the player who Gineitis could be replacing in the Celtic midfield, if a move does end up materialising.
Celtic had been on the receiving end of a £25 million offer for Engels in the middle of the season. They turned it down, and thankfully so, as the Belgian midfielder played his part in the title run-in.
One would imagine that they would want a similar offer to consider Engels' exit this summer. But so far, it looks like something of that magnitude has not come in, with West Ham United's bid thought to be unsatisfactory.
