Celtic's pursuit of Mario Vuskovic appears to be ramping up after the defender was left out of Hadjuk Split’s latest pre-season warm-up.
Centre-back Vuskovic has been ever-present during the Croatian clubs training camp in Slovenia until the clash with NK Odranci.
The decision has fuelled speculation about a move to Glasgow's east end as Ange Postecoglou steps up his rebuild at the club.
Croatian outlet Sportske report that the absence was down to “preparing for the transfer to Celtic ”.
Head coach Jens Gustafsson played down the absence in his post match interview, with Slobodna Dalmacija reporting that the coach has claimed the 19-year-old had been "rested".
However, the report notes there are "ongoing negotiations" over a move to the Scottish Premiership, with similar transfer tactics being employed by the Croats ahead of the sale of Filip Bradaric to Cagliari.
Earlier in pre-season, Vuskovic had remained tight-lipped about speculation over a switch to Celtic Park as he kept his focus on his current employers ahead of their UEFA Europa Conference League push.
Following the 4-0 friendly win over Polish club Slask Wrocław, he said: "I think it's just important that we keep progressing in terms of fitness and game time.
"It really was a top level performance and we just need to continue like this once the season starts.
"What I like about our team is that we have a winning mentality - we are not afraid of anyone.
"The pre-season campaign is really going well and it will be important to hit the ground running when the league season starts."
