Emanuel Aiwu claims that Celtic were among a clutch of clubs who enquired over his services before he finalised a £3.5 million deal to join Serie A side Cremonese.
The Austrian defender completed a move to Italy after time at Rapid Wien - who the Hoops played in a pre-season friendly last month - and signed a four-year deal with the newly-promoted club. Aiwu was linked with a string of clubs across Europe but the Austrian U21s captain decided on Italy despite Celtic being one of those pondering whether or not to launch a bid for him.
There was also interest in Turkey and Russia for Aiwu to consider but the lure of a top five European league proved too good for him to turn down. He said: "There were enquiries from Mainz and Celtic and there was interest from clubs in Turkey and Russia, but Cremonese impressed me the most when we spoke.
"They showed they really wanted me. I loved my time at Rapid, but Serie A is an absolute top league, I will be challenged here every week.
"I'm looking forward to this opportunity. We know that our aim is to stay in Serie A, but I do think we can do more than just avoid relegation. But there is a real chance for me to make a name for myself in Italy."
It's been a busy summer of incomings for boss Ange Postecoglou, with Daizen Maeda, Benjamin Siegrist, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Alexandro Bernabei, Aaron Mooy and Moritz Jenz arriving at Celtic Park permanently or on loan.
