Celtic may need to act quickly to secure Gvidas Gineitis as Red Bull Salzburg prepare a rival bid.
The club has been tracking the Torino midfielder, 22, as a potential replacement for Arne Engels, who is attracting interest from West Ham.
However, Red Bull Salzburg are reportedly ready to offer £20 million for a dual deal involving Gineitis and his teammate Alieu Njie, valuing the Lithuanian at more than £8 million.
The Austrian club's initial approach was rejected, but they are expected to return with an improved offer. Transfer specialist Matteo Moretto confirmed Salzburg’s interest, saying: "Red Bull Salzburg is showing strong interest in Torino midfielder Gineitis, ready to make a significant offer, in addition to Celtic’s already well-known interest."
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Gineitis is reportedly open to a move to Parkhead. His agent, Dmitry Vinokurov, previously confirmed contact from Celtic, stating: "Yes, people from Celtic have been in contact with me, but there was no offer yet.
"I appreciate their effort and am ready to cooperate, but I also have to keep working on other options for Gvidas."
He added: "Gvidas also appreciates the interest from such a big club and is ready to see the offer."
Despite the interest in Gineitis, Celtic are also eyeing Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur. However, it is believed that a move for one would not necessarily rule out interest in the other, as they play different roles.
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