Celtic are set to ‘ramp up’ their transfer interest in Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, while Chelsea full back Landon Emenalo is ‘likely’ to complete a loan move this week.
The Hoops are out of action this weekend ahead of their second leg Champions League play-off decider in Austria against LASK Linz - the outcome of which could have a huge say in their pursuit of Gineitis. Celtic have a three-goal advantage going into Tuesday night and are expected to renew their interest in the 22-year old Lithuanian if they can hold out.
The box-to-box maestro - capped 29 times for his country - has been identified as a potential replacement for Arne Engels. The Belgian completed his transfer to West Ham United from Celtic earlier this month for an EFL Championship record-breaking fee of £22m. Hoops boss Martin O’Neill is hoping for a few more new faces before deadline day on September 3.
Lithuanian featured for Torino last weekend in the Coppa Italia.placeholder image
Lithuanian featured for Torino last weekend in the Coppa Italia. | 2026 Getty Images
Celtic to ‘ramp up’ Gineitis pursuit
According to The Sun, Celtic are set to ‘ramp up’ their interest in Gineitis after the Champions League clash. He is expected to start on Sunday for Torino at home to AC Milan in the Serie A. The Italian side are looking for £9m for his services - but that won’t deter the Hoops if they secure £40m by qualifying for Europe’s most elite competition. Celtic have already secured German midfielder Mika Baur for £6.8m from Paderborn but are still looking bolster this area.
Slovan Liberec attacking midfielder Ermin Mahmic remains on Celtic’s radar and was left out of their squad against FK Ziln in their Czech First League fixture this weekend. The 21-year old impressed scored twice for Bosnia and Herzogovina at the World Cup and has since attracted interest from across Europe. Liberec are reportedly asking for £7m.
Left back featured for Chelsea during pre-season.placeholder image
Left back featured for Chelsea during pre-season. | Getty Images
Emenalo loan deal ‘likely’ to finalise in the next week
The same report suggests Emenalo is ‘likely’ to finalise his loan move from Chelsea within the next week. The 18-year old Blues academy graduate has impressed at youth level - where he has also played for England despite being born in the United States. He is the son of former Nigeria international Michael Emenalo.
Celtic have been after Emenalo as cover for current left back Kieran Tierney. The Hoops had previously been linked with last season’s loan hero Marcelo Saracchi for a permanent deal from Argentine giants Boca Juniors, after he proved to be a more than capable back up. However talks collapsed early in negotiations despite the player seeking a Parkhead return.