Celtic’s pursuit of Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis has collapsed, dealing a significant blow to the club’s Europa League squad-building ambitions.
The 23-year-old Lithuanian international had been on Celtic’s radar since January, when he was first considered as a replacement for Arne Engels.
Engels had attracted a £25 million bid from Nottingham Forest before eventually sealing a £22 million move to West Ham earlier this summer.
With that midfield gap to fill, Gineitis emerged as the top transfer target for the Scottish champions heading into the final stages of the window.
Celtic pushed hard to bring the playmaker in on Wednesday ahead of their Europa League squad deadline, but a fee could not be agreed between the two clubs.
Record Sport understands the Hoops made another attempt to land Gineitis on deadline day, but were told by the Serie A side that a potential £9 million bid would not be enough.
It is claimed that chief executive Michael Nicholson “did not proceed in negotiations in a way that put Celtic in position to close the deal.”
Torino reinforced their own midfield during the window, signing Rolando Mandragora and Daniel Braganca in what appeared to be preparation for a potential Gineitis departure.
Gineitis was handed a start for Torino’s Coppa Italia clash with Monza just hours after those two midfielders arrived at the club on deadline day in Italy.
Torino boss Abate singled out Mandragora for praise in a window that also saw him add Scotland international Nathan Patterson and Rafik Belghali to his squad.
The Scottish transfer window officially closes at 5pm on Thursday, though Celtic had been scrambling to finalise deals before Wednesday’s 11pm Europa League deadline.
The Hoops did manage to bring in Sam Johnstone, Landon Emenalo, and Shumaira Mheuka on loan during the frantic deadline period.
PSV midfielder Joël van den Berg was also expected to seal a permanent switch to Parkhead as part of the club’s late recruitment drive.
Celtic are understood to be considering a return for Gineitis when the January transfer window opens, keeping the door ajar for a future deal.
About the Author
