CELTIC could move for Torino star Gvidas Gineitis to replace Arne Engels.
Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Roma are leading the £20million chase for the Belgian.
Celtic are already looking at replacements and 22-year-old Lithuanian midfielder Gineitis is on the radar.
The powerful 6ft3in Torino ace already has 32 senior caps and is attracting strong interest from the Bundesliga.
But SunSport understands Celtic have watched him in recent months after he caught the eye in Serie A.
Gineitis still has three years left on his contract after signing an extension last summer.
But agent Dmitry Vinokurov recently revealed that Torino will consider offers as interest mounts in the Lithuanian.
He said: “Torino holds Gvidas in high regard and believes in his future.
“The player has steadily improved within the club and is considered an important part of the project.
“At the same time, Gvidas is ambitious, as any player competing at this level should be.
“There have already been expressions of interest from other clubs, which is natural considering his age, performance, and potential.
“If an interesting offer were to arrive for both Torino and Gvidas, it would certainly be carefully evaluated.”
Martin O’Neill has yet to make any additions since returning as permanent Celtic manager – but is expected to ramp up his transfer business imminently.
Engels looks almost certain to be sold after the Hoops knocked back a £25m bid from Nottingham Forest in January.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks unlikely to be handed the 12-month option on his deal, leaving Celtic short on midfield.
Attacking reinforcements will also be required, with Daizen Maeda set to leave and Kelechi Iheanacho in limbo after a deadline for his 12-month option expired.
Celtic’s six loan players from last season have left, with Luis Palma, Stephen Welsh and Hayato Inamura also departing.
