Gvidas Gineitis situation takes fresh twist amid Celtic transfer interest

Celtic have been sent another indication that signing Gvidas Gineitis from Torino will be far from straightforward.

The Lithuania international has been linked with a move to the Hoops throughout the summer, with Celtic reportedly reopening discussions over the 22-year-old as Martin O’Neill looks to strengthen his midfield.

Gineitis’ absence from Torino’s recent pre-season clash with Vado fuelled speculation over his future, but Saturday night offered a very different signal.

The midfielder started Torino’s competitive opener against Carrarese in the Coppa Italia and completed the full 90 minutes as Ignazio Abate’s side secured a 1-0 victory.

Gineitis lined up alongside Kian Fitz-Jim in midfield and remained on the pitch despite Torino making all five substitutions around him.

His performance also demonstrated why Celtic have been keeping tabs on him.

According to FotMob, Gineitis completed 40 of his 46 passes for an 87 per cent accuracy rate, created two chances and made seven passes into the final third.

The 6ft 3in midfielder also made five tackles, was not dribbled past and won seven of his nine duels, including both of his aerial contests.

Celtic’s interest has taken on greater significance following Arne Engels’ £22million move to West Ham, which has removed a major midfield option from O’Neill’s squad ahead of the Champions League play-off against LASK.

Reports have suggested Torino want more than £8m for Gineitis, while RB Salzburg have also made an attempt to sign the Lithuanian international.

Engels’ departure certainly gives Celtic greater financial room to manoeuvre should O’Neill decide Gineitis is the midfielder he wants.

However, playing every minute of Torino’s first competitive fixture hardly suggests a departure is imminent.