Top Celtic target ‘stung’ by failed summer transfer as Serie A club set to lower asking price in January

Gvidas Gineitis is reportedly still disappointed after seeing a potential summer switch to Celtic fall through, with the Torino midfielder having been unable to secure a move to Glasgow.

According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, the 22-year-old Lithuanian international was left frustrated by the collapse of talks between the two clubs, having been open to the prospect of joining the Scottish champions.

The Hoops’ interest was previously confirmed by veteran manager Martin O'Neill, who revealed that the club had explored the possibility of bringing Gineitis to Parkhead. However, negotiations ultimately proved unsuccessful, with the Serie A club unwilling to compromise on their valuation.

Reports during the summer suggested the Italians were demanding around £12 million for the midfielder, a figure Celtic were seemingly unwilling to meet.

There could yet be an opportunity to revive the deal, however, with Torino said to be prepared to consider offers in the region of €8 - 10 million during the January transfer window. That would represent a significant reduction on their previous asking price, with the valuation translating to approximately £6.75m - £8.5m.

Whether Celtic decide to reignite their interest remains to be seen, while Gineitis' own appetite for a move could also be a factor following the disappointment of missing out on a summer switch.

The players had previously spoken positively about the prospect of playing for Celtic, describing the opportunity as an exciting challenge.

“I'm happy at Torino, I'm focused on my team,” he admitted. “But whether you like it or not, you keep thinking about it in the transfer market. You know something could happen, there could be some movement.

“Playing for Celtic would be an interesting, wonderful experience. Also because testing yourself at a club like that would be truly stimulating. But for now, as I said, I'm at Torino and I'm thinking about Torino.”

O’Neill: ‘We had more than an interest in him’

O'Neill had also been candid about Celtic’s attempts to secure his signature, suggesting that negotiations with Torino were ultimately the biggest obstacle. He explained: “We had more than an interest in him at the time.

“But it's all very well having an interest and people feeling that they might want to come, you still have to negotiate with the club. That was a major thing at the end of the day. When clubs become adamant about a certain price for a player – and we are not in the market for overpriced players like in England – you have to deal with it as best as you can.”

With Torino potentially softening their financial demands, Celtic could have a more affordable opportunity to revisit a deal that failed to materialise last summer.

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