Celtic’s long-running pursuit of Gvidas Gineitis has taken a dramatic turn, with the Hoops now reportedly close to reaching an agreement for the Torino midfielder.
After weeks of negotiations, rejected offers and fears the deal had collapsed, there finally appears to be genuine momentum.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph says talks progressed significantly on Tuesday and have now reached an advanced stage.
Better still, the 22-year-old Lithuania international is reportedly keen on becoming a Celtic player.
Celtic Gvidas Gineitis talks accelerate
It represents a remarkable turnaround.
Only hours earlier, Italian reports suggested Torino had rejected another Celtic proposal because it fell short of their valuation.
However, Celtic refused to walk away.
Reports from Italy claim discussions continued throughout the night and into Tuesday morning as the clubs attempted to find an agreement.
That persistence could finally be paying off.
Gineitis has been one of Celtic’s principal midfield targets throughout the summer and it is easy to understand why Martin O’Neill wants him.
At 6ft 2in, he would immediately bring greater physicality to Celtic’s midfield.
He is comfortable carrying the ball, possesses a powerful left foot and already has considerable Serie A experience despite his age.
Most importantly, Gineitis could provide the energy and running power Celtic have desperately lacked.
Celtic could finally land top midfield target
The departure of Arne Engels to West Ham left Celtic needing another powerful midfielder capable of operating at a high intensity.
Gineitis fits that profile.
He has also accumulated significant international experience with Lithuania, making him far more established than the typical 22-year-old prospect.
Nothing is completed yet.
There has been no official confirmation from Celtic or Torino that a fee has been agreed, and until that happens supporters should retain some caution.
Yet this is undoubtedly the most encouraging update of the entire Gineitis saga.
Celtic could have walked away after their Champions League exit. Torino could have shut the door following the rejected offers.
Neither happened.
Instead, negotiations continued.
Now Celtic appear closer than ever to landing one of their primary summer targets.
After weeks of frustration, this could be one deadline deal genuinely worth getting excited about.
Key Takeaways
- Celtic are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Gvidas Gineitis.
- Anthony Joseph says negotiations have reached an advanced stage.
- Gineitis is reportedly keen to join Celtic.
- Talks continued despite previous Celtic offers being rejected.
- The 22-year-old would add physicality and running power to Martin O’Neill’s midfield.
Same guy mentioned 2 months ago they must be seriously rummaging around the biscuit tin. Groundhog year.
Completely agree that he’s in the Martin O’Neill mould.
Big lads, can hold their own.
That said, it should have been done a lot earlier.