The Hoops chased the £9m-rated Lithuania international throughout the last transfer window and remained at the table until deadline day. Torino stood firm, however, and refused to sanction a sale after valuing the midfielder as an important part of their plans.

But Italian newspaper Tuttosport now reports the Parkhead side have not gone away and continue to monitor Gineitis' situation closely as the January window edges into view.

The 22-year-old's circumstances have changed considerably since Celtic's interest first emerged.

Gineitis started all three of Torino's opening Serie A fixtures this season and even registered an assist in their campaign opener against Milan. At that stage, he looked set to establish himself as a key figure in Turin.

Instead, Torino strengthened their midfield after the transfer window shut, bringing in Rolando Mandragora and Daniel Braganca. The added competition has seen Gineitis pushed to the fringes, with the Lithuanian often forced to settle for appearances from the bench under boss Ignazio Abate.

That frustration became clear after Torino's recent defeat to Como when the midfielder offered an honest assessment of his recent experience.

He said: "These haven't been the best months of my life, but I've always trained."

The comments will only add to speculation over his future as clubs continue to track his progress.

According to the report, Celtic are not alone in their admiration. Danny Rohl's Red Bull Salzburg are also credited with strong interest after attempting to sign the midfielder during the summer.

Despite his lack of starts, Gineitis remains highly regarded and is viewed as one of Lithuania's brightest talents. He has become an established international and is approaching a crucial stage of his career as he looks to secure regular first-team football.

The next few weeks could prove decisive. Mandragora's injury may offer Gineitis an opportunity to force his way back into Torino's plans and convince Abate he deserves a bigger role.

However, if minutes remain hard to come by, Torino could face renewed pressure from admirers when the transfer window reopens.

And with Celtic's interest reportedly as strong as ever, the midfielder who almost arrived in Glasgow a few months ago could find himself back on Martin O'Neill's radar before long.