Celtic appear to have received encouragement over their interest in Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, according to journalist David Friel, with the Serie A side reportedly looking to raise funds.
Speaking on The Scottish Sun Sport’s latest Celtic transfer special, Friel spoke about the current position surrounding Gineitis and whether Celtic’s Champions League exit on Tuesday could have an impact on the move.
Friel said: “I’m not saying they need to sell him, but they want to raise funds.”
That does not suggest Torino are actively pushing Gineitis out of the door, but it does offer some crucial context as to why Celtic’s interest could yet progress before the window closes next Thursday.
Celtic’s Champions League exit has raised questions over whether some of their transfer plans could change, particularly with players who may have viewed Europe’s premier competition as the main attraction.
Friel admitted he does not know whether that may decisive for Gineitis.
“Again, to come back to what I’m saying about the Champions League, was the Champions League a deal breaker for Gineitis? I don’t know. I’ll be honest with you. I don’t know.”
He did, point to Celtic’s continued involvement in the race as a reason to believe there has been some encouragement from the player’s side.
“So the fact that Celtic have still been in for him would tell me that they’ve been given encouragement.”
Europa League football would still be on offer at Celtic, while a move to the Hoops would undoubtedly provide Gineitis a great platform from in Italy at Torino.
Friel believes that can still carry weight despite the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League against LASK.
“And I still think it’s an attractive option. He’d be getting more money than he’s earning in Italy, obviously. He’d be coming a big profile.”
The journalist also referenced an £8 million figure when outlining what Celtic should be prepared to spend, arguing that dropping into the Europa League should not automatically change the club’s thinking, despite CeltsAreHere understanding that a deal could potentially be done for around £6 million plus significant add-ons.
“But I don’t think Celtic should suddenly, because they’re at Champions League, think, well, we can’t spend £8 million in Gineitis. I just don’t see it.”
There is crucially still no confirmation that a deal is agreed or that Celtic have reached the stage of completing a move for the Lithuanian international.
What his update does suggest is that the Hoops remain in the race and have received enough encouragement to continue looking at Gineitis, while Torino’s desire to raise more funds gives the situation room to move.
Keep Reading
