Celtic handed potential Gvidas Gineitis boost as Torino close in on €7m midfielder

The Hoops have been actively pursuing the Lithuania international as Martin O’Neill attempts to strengthen his options before the transfer window closes.

There have been concerns that Celtic’s disastrous Champions League exit against LASK could jeopardise moves for some of their more ambitious targets, with Gineitis among those whose future remains unresolved.

However, developments in Italy could work in Celtic’s favour.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Torino are now frontrunners to sign Sporting CP midfielder Daniel Braganca in a deal potentially worth €7million.

Braganca is a left-footed box-to-box midfielder who operates in a similar area of the pitch to Gineitis, raising the possibility that Torino are preparing for the Lithuanian’s departure.

The Sporting midfielder will already be familiar to Celtic supporters after scoring twice against the Hoops during a pre-season friendly this summer.

Celtic are not alone in their interest in Gineitis. Red Bull Salzburg are also reportedly keen, while Anderlecht have been credited with entering the race for his signature.

That competition could complicate matters for Celtic, particularly following their failure to secure Champions League football.

However, Gineitis remains an attractive target. Standing at 6ft 3in and naturally left-footed, the midfielder only turned 22 in April but has already accumulated significant Serie A experience with Torino.

He joined the Italian club from Lithuanian side Atmosfera Mazeikiai in January 2023 and has since established himself at senior level.