Celtic are preparing to step up their interest in Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis as the club continues to work on strengthening the squad ahead of the new season.
The Scottish champions are expected to increase their focus on the 22-year-old midfielder after Tuesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against LASK in Linz, with the outcome of that European tie potentially influencing the club’s next steps in the transfer market.
Gineitis has emerged as one of the players attracting attention from Celtic, with the Hoops continuing to explore opportunities to improve their midfield options.
The Torino midfielder is still only 22, but has already gained valuable experience in Italian football. Celtic are believed to see him as a player who could add energy and quality to their midfield as they prepare for another demanding campaign.
Celtic Continue Transfer Plans
The interest in Gineitis comes at a time when Celtic are involved in several transfer discussions as they look to build a squad capable of competing domestically while also making an impact in European competition.
The Champions League remains a major priority for the club, and qualification would provide another boost to their ambitions and potentially give them greater flexibility in the transfer market.
However, Celtic’s recruitment plans appear to be continuing regardless of the result in Austria, with the club already working on several potential deals.
One of those moves involves Bosnian youngster Ermin Mahmic, with Celtic reportedly set to complete a deal worth around £7 million for the 21-year-old World Cup player from Slovan Liberec.
Interestingly, the proposed Mahmic transfer is expected to go ahead regardless of what happens in the Champions League play-off against LASK.
Ghedjemis Also on Celtic’s Radar
Celtic’s interest in attacking reinforcements is also evident in their reported pursuit of Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis.
The Hoops are reported to have made an offer of around £7.7 million for the winger, although they face competition for his signature.
Rangers, Monaco and Besiktas have also been linked with the player, meaning Celtic could face a battle if they decide to push ahead with their interest.
Ghedjemis’ situation demonstrates the level of competition Celtic are facing as they attempt to strengthen their squad. The club will need to move decisively if they want to secure their preferred targets before the transfer window closes.
For Celtic supporters, the growing list of potential arrivals suggests that the club is determined to continue improving the squad rather than relying solely on the players already available.
Rangers Receive Interest in Raskin
Across Glasgow, Rangers are also dealing with significant transfer developments surrounding midfielder Nico Raskin.
The Belgian midfielder has reportedly attracted initial approaches from clubs in England, Italy and Spain, with Rangers prepared to consider his departure if their valuation is met.
Raskin still has two years remaining on his current contract, giving Rangers a strong negotiating position as interested clubs assess whether to make formal offers.
The midfielder’s future could therefore become one of the stories to watch closely as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
Rangers will have to decide whether keeping Raskin is the priority or whether a suitable offer would make a transfer worthwhile for the club.
Driouech Set to Join Celta Vigo
There has also been movement involving another player who had previously been linked with a move to Rangers.
PSV Eindhoven have reportedly agreed to sell winger Couhaib Driouech to Celta Vigo after his proposed transfer to Rangers failed to materialise.
The development means Rangers will miss out on the winger, with Driouech now set to continue his career in Spain instead.
It is another reminder of how quickly transfer situations can change, particularly when several clubs are competing for the same players.
Scottish Football Wants More Homegrown Talent
Away from the transfer market, Scottish FA chief football officer Craig Mulholland has outlined plans to encourage clubs across the country to give more opportunities to homegrown players.
Mulholland believes increasing the number of Scottish-developed players featuring regularly for clubs could have significant benefits for the game.
The aim is not only to create more opportunities for young players but also to generate greater revenue for clubs and strengthen the national team in the long term.
The issue of developing homegrown talent has been an important subject in Scottish football, particularly as clubs continue to compete for experienced players from overseas.
Encouraging clubs to invest more heavily in their own youth systems could provide a long-term solution while giving talented young players a clearer route into senior football.
Former Celtic Winger Kuhn Faces Uncertain Future
Another former Celtic player is also at the centre of transfer speculation, with Nicolas Kuhn reportedly placed on the transfer list by Italian club Como.
The winger left Celtic for Como in a deal worth around £17 million and is now being linked with a potential move elsewhere, just one year after his departure from the Scottish club.
Reports from Italy indicate that clubs in Germany and Austria have shown interest in the player as he considers his next move.
Kuhn’s situation will be interesting for Celtic supporters, particularly given the significant fee involved in his move away from Glasgow.
The German winger impressed during his time with Celtic before making the switch to Italy, and another transfer could now be on the cards if suitable interest develops.
Celtic’s Busy Transfer Window
With interest in Gineitis, a reported deal for Mahmic and an offer for Ghedjemis, Celtic are clearly maintaining an active approach in the transfer market.
The club’s recruitment strategy appears focused on adding players who can provide greater depth and competition within the squad, particularly with domestic and European fixtures expected to come thick and fast.
Gineitis could be an especially interesting addition if Celtic decide to push forward with their interest. The midfielder’s experience in Serie A could prove valuable, while his age also means there would be room for further development.
However, Celtic will have to decide how much they are prepared to invest in the Torino midfielder and whether a deal can be reached with the Italian club.
The situation is expected to become clearer after the Champions League play-off second leg against LASK, when Celtic can turn their attention more fully towards the next stage of their transfer business.
For now, the Hoops appear to have plenty of options on their radar, with Gineitis one of the latest names to emerge as a potential target.
With the transfer window moving towards its decisive stages, Celtic supporters will be watching closely to see whether their reported interest in the Torino midfielder develops into a formal move.
If Celtic can complete some of their reported targets, the club could head into the remainder of the season with an even stronger squad and greater depth across several positions.