Celtic are said to be upping the ante as they look to land a new centre-back this summer. The Bhoys have had a sluggish start to the summer transfer, yet to make any new signings.
Martin O'Neill wanted a number of new signings made this summer, and he may get them, but he and his non-World Cup players returned for pre-season on Friday with no new faces in the building. The Bhoys didn't even have Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain present, with both players out of contract this summer, while no decision has been made - at least not publicly - on their deals.
Work continues behind the scenes to bring in new signings, and a new offer is reportedly being prepared.
New Smajlovic offer incoming
Celtic are already said to have had a £3.5million offer for Sandejford centre-back Zinedin Smajlovic rejected this summer. The Sweden-born defender has impressed with his current club and is attracting attention from across Europe.
But it appears he won't come cheap, with Sandejford holding out for a bigger sum.
According to Football Insider, Celtic are now expected to increase their offer in a bid to get the deal done. Though there is said to be competition from Olympiacos, Toulouse and Premier League newcomers Hull City.
Smajlovic has been with his current club since last year, when he joined from Sandviken, and he has racked up 26 league appearances since. The 6ft3" defender has been identified as someone with a big future, still only 22 years of age, and that is reflected in the price.
Celtic do have some depth at centre-back currently, with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Dane Murray on the books, but O'Neill is likely to want another senior-level option there to call upon during the long season, especially if his side are going to be playing in Europe.
Bhoys fans will be pleased to hear of reports of a bid in any case. It has been a painfully quiet summer on the transfer front so far, and there has been plenty of controversy.
Celtic struggled to get O'Neill tied down, while they took weeks to agree deals with his background staff, who have now been kept on. The Bhoys chiefs were aiming for a more structured approach to recruitment this summer, and so far there has been little evidence of that being the case, but there is still plenty of time.
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