Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis appeared close to a move to Celtic in the summer. A deal didn’t materialise but it remains on the cards.

The midfielder had been a regular for the Italian club before the transfer window slammed shut. He started all of their first three Serie A games, while also assisting in the opening game against AC Milan.

It was around this point that Celtic made several attempts to land the Lithuanian. The saga stretched on until deadline day but despite offers, Torino couldn’t be convinced to sell the player for a favourable figure.

In the meantime, the Granata signed Rolando Mandragora and Daniel Braganca as possible replacements. This has left Gineitis as simply a squad player for Ignazio Abate’s side and it looks like his January exit could still go through.

Big interest in the player

TuttoSport note that Gineitis has indeed become a bit-part player in Turin. He has had to rely on coming off the bench to get minutes and the situation isn’t ideal anymore. He made that clear after the club’s loss to Como, revealing that the last few months haven’t exactly been great for him.

The newspaper provide more background, noting that Celtic indeed made moves for him in the summer.

But they’re certain the Hoops aren’t out of the chase yet. They remain keen and in fact, ‘interest is very high’ in Gineitis even now, with Salzburg also having attempted a move in the summer.

An exit in January would be possible for the 22-year-old, who remains on the hunt for game time. While TuttoSport indicate that he can play more often in the next few weeks due Mandragora’s injury, everything will come down to his performances during this time.

Our take: Critical point in player’s career

This was expected to be a big season for Gineitis, who is quickly approaching his prime. He has become a key player for his country, having impressed during the international break too.

He should ideally don a similar role at club level but Torino seem to have already replaced him. Besides, his exit will hand Il Toro a significant capital gain, as he joined for a very minimal fee and then came through their youth academy. That is why the Italian club would be keen on his sale and this will come as a transfer chance for Celtic.