Celtic’s chances of landing World Cup star Ivan Basic appear to be fading after Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt entered the race for his signature.
The FC Astana midfielder has been heavily linked with a £2 million switch to Parkhead after attracting considerable attention from Hoops scouts.
Celtic’s scouting staff had been monitoring the 24-year-old Bosnian’s progress closely, with his club signalling willingness to sanction a departure for the right offer.
Frankfurt have now made a formal enquiry into signing Basic and are reportedly considering stepping up their pursuit with an official bid.
Spanish club Elche are also said to be monitoring the midfielder, intensifying competition for his signature ahead of a potential summer transfer.
Basic made history during the tournament as the first player from the Kazakhstan Premier League to appear at a World Cup, raising his profile significantly.
Astana manager Grigory Babayan acknowledged last week that the club would not block the player from pursuing an opportunity in a stronger European league.
Babayan said: “We have to be realistic and accept that Ivan’s participation at the World Cup is an important moment in his career and could open the way for him to move to a stronger European league.”
He added: “We understand this guy has a great career ahead of him. He can prove himself at this level and move on to a top league. We have no right to stand in his way.”
Separately, Celtic were reported to have submitted a £3.5 million bid for Swedish defender Zinedin Smajlovic on Sunday night, though those claims are understood to be wide of the mark.
The 22-year-old is now reportedly close to sealing a move to Olympiacos from Norwegian club Sandefjord, ending any suggestion of a Parkhead switch.
Celtic’s summer transfer activity continues to develop across multiple fronts, though both pursuits appear to have encountered significant complications in recent days.
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