Zinedin Smajlovic is now set for a move to Olympiakos, in a development that backs up what CeltsAreHere had reported throughout the summer.

The Sandefjord defender had been linked with Celtic in recent months, with claims elsewhere suggesting the Hoops had made bids for the 22-year-old. Those claims were consistently played down by CeltsAreHere, with our understanding being that Celtic had not made an offer and were not actively pushing for the player.

Now Expressen report that Olympiakos have reached an agreement for Smajlovic, with the deal worth an initial €5million and potentially rising to €6million through bonuses.

That would be a record sale for Sandefjord and a significant move for a player who only joined the Norwegian club from Sandvikens IF last summer.

Smajlovic impressed in Norway after arriving at Sandefjord, making 39 appearances and establishing himself as one of the more highly-rated centre-backs in the Eliteserien. Interest from elsewhere was no surprise, but the Celtic angle always looked overplayed.

CeltsAreHere reported more than once that there was no Celtic bid on the table, despite claims suggesting otherwise. Fresh reports now point to Olympiakos as the club who made the serious move.

The fee involved also shows the level Sandefjord were working towards. A deal worth €5million, potentially rising to €6million, is a major sale in Norwegian football and sits above the figures being discussed in some of the earlier claims.

Smajlovic is now expected to travel to Greece, undergo a medical and complete the move, barring any late issues.

For Celtic, this should close the door on one of the more persistent transfer links of the summer. There was plenty of noise around Smajlovic, but the strongest movement was always elsewhere.

Olympiakos now look set to land the defender, and the outcome supports the line that Celtic were never as involved as some reports made out.