Hajduk Split manager Gonzalo Garcia has revealed Celtic-linked Niko Sigur is “probably leaving” the Croatian side after an eventful night which saw them secure Europa Conference League football.

The Canada international has been linked with a move to Celtic throughout the closing days of the summer transfer window, with the Bhoys having monitored the 22-year-old’s situation.

CeltsAreHere previously reported that Celtic had not submitted a formal bid for Sigur despite claims elsewhere that a move to Glasgow was close.

Genk have made an offer in the region of €4 million, while Toulouse have also shown firm interest in the midfielder.

Sigur, though, is believed to favour a move to Celtic should the Hoops decide to formalise their interest with a bid.

Speaking after Hajduk’s special European night on Thursday, Garcia suggested Sigur may now be approaching the end of his time at the Croatian side.

He said via the Daily Record: “We cried together in the dressing room with Niko Sigur. This is the best way for someone to leave. He was very emotional, along with Rokas Pukstas, because they are both probably leaving.

“Niko gave an inspirational talk to his teammates before the start of extra time too. I’m proud of how he and Rokas fought for the team.

“This team has heart, they live under constant high pressure, they are young guys and they deserve a lot of credit. Sigur and Pukstas showed the spirit of our dressing room.”

Those comments are certainly the clearest public indication yet from the club that the Canadian international may leave before the transfer window closes.

The key point from a Celtic perspective is that the Hoops’ interest has not yet developed into an official bid.

That leaves other clubs with an opportunity to win the race, especially Genk, who have already submitted a bid around the Croatian side’s asking price.

Sigur’s future could now be decided following the end of Hajduk’s European qualifying campaign, with Garcia openly discussing the idea of his departure.

For Celtic, the decision is whether to turn their long-standing interest into an official bid before next Thursday’s transfer deadline in Scotland.

However, there is no agreement between the Hoops and the Croatian side, but the Garcia now appears to be preparing for the likelihood that the Canadian has played one of his final matches for Hadjuk.