Celtic have reportedly had a bid 'rejected' for Sandefjord's Zinedin Smajlovic, amid growing interest in the highly-rated central defender.
With Martin O’Neill set to remain in the dugout for another season, the champions are now turning their focus to summer recruitment, with significant business expected both in and out.
The club has been linked with several targets, including Swedish centre-back Smajlovic, according to Greek outlet Gazzetta.gr.
The 22-year-old only joined Norwegian top-flight side Sandefjord last year but has already attracted strong interest.
Read more
-
The leading Celtic star who is 'cast-iron certainty' to leave club in summer
-
Celtic's Benjamin Nygren torpedoed in Swedish press after World Cup flop
Per the report, Celtic, along with Olympiacos, lodged an offer worth up to £3.5 million for the defender.
However, Sandefjord are said to have swiftly rejected the approach, holding out for a fee closer to £4.3 million for one of their prized assets.
Defence is likely to be an area for Celtic to prioritise, given Benjamin Arthur's return to Brentford after his mid-season loan up north.
Additionally, the club may look to bring in defensive reinforcements, given Cameron Carter-Vickers' recurring injury problems of late, with the American missing a large chunk of last season due to a ruptured Achilles.
