Lazio appear to have won the race for Celtic target Strahinja Pavlovic.
Neil Lennon made a personal visit to watch the Partizan Belgrade centre half in action against Connah's Quay Nomads last month as he stepped up his search for defensive recruits.
But it looks like the 18-year-old will be heading to Italy for the next chapter of his career.
Pavlovic was heavily linked with a £4.5 million move to Juventus last month, but the Serie A champions' interest cooled. And now their rivals have stepped in.
According to reports in Serbia , Lazio and Partizan have "shaken hands" on a €5.5m deal for Pavlovic who will sign a bumper five-year contract in Rome.
Pavlovic will be loaned back to Partizan for the remainder of the Serbian season before moving full-time to Lazio next campaign.
The teenager admitted last month that he had been "flattered" by Celtic's interest.
But he added: "I've got to think I will be at this club for a long time. I can't afford to get caught up in speculation before the next transfer window.
"My favourite clubs in Europe are Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United. My ambition is to play for one of those teams one day."
The towering figure, who measures in at 6ft 4in, has worked his way up through the youth ranks at Partizan, making his professional debut in February this year.
Manchester City had also been linked with the teenager.
