Celtic have had a bid for Sandefjord defender Zinedin Smajlovic rejected, with the Norwegian club holding out for a significantly larger transfer fee.
According to Greek outlet Gazzetta.gr, Celtic joined Olympiakos in submitting an offer of up to £3.5 million for the 22-year-old Swedish centre back.
Sandefjord swiftly dismissed the joint approach, with the Eliteserien club reportedly seeking a figure closer to £4.3 million for their prized defender.
Smajlovic, a former Lecce youngster, only joined the top-flight Norwegian side last year but has already attracted considerable attention from clubs across Europe.
With Martin O’Neill confirmed in the dugout for another season, Celtic can now focus fully on what is expected to be a busy and significant summer transfer window.
Defensive reinforcements are understood to be a priority for the champions, who face work in both directions as they reshape their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Another defender said to be on Celtic’s radar is Poland international Oskar Wojcik, with reports in Poland claiming a £3.5 million bid for the 22-year-old was rejected back in January.
KS Cracovia chiefs have since hinted they would be open to selling Wojcik this summer, raising fresh hopes that a deal could eventually be struck.
Wojcik himself added fuel to speculation earlier this month when he addressed his future in candid terms, suggesting the right opportunity could tempt him away from Poland.
He said: “Simply put, if an offer comes along with an interesting plan, a vision for development, we’ll consider it. It’s not like I hear a name, the first club that comes along, and I already want to leave Poland.”
The defender was careful to stress that any decision would be made thoughtfully rather than out of a desire simply to move abroad at the first available chance.
He said: “All of this needs to be thoroughly analyzed. The most important thing is that I don’t want to join a club just to be there. I want to play and become a better player.”
Wojcik also acknowledged the strong emotional pull of remaining at his current club, where he has developed into one of Poland’s most promising young defenders.
He said: “My heart definitely tells me to stay at Cracovia, because it’s my club, which has great and supportive fans. I never imagined I could get so much from the fans.”
However, the ambitious 22-year-old made clear that the lure of top European football remains a driving force behind his thinking going into the summer window.
He said: “On the other hand… there are dreams. I’ve always imagined playing in one of the five best leagues in Europe.”
Celtic’s pursuit of multiple defensive targets suggests the club is determined to strengthen at the back as they prepare to compete on several fronts in the upcoming season.
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