Celtic Prepare Fresh Offer for Gineitis as West Ham Circle for Engels

Celtic are reportedly ready to return with a new proposal for Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, with the Lithuania international potentially becoming the club's most expensive signing ever if a deal goes through this summer. The 22-year-old has been identified as a key target for Martin O'Neill's side ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, and the Hoops are now stepping up their pursuit as they prepare for the possible exit of Arne Engels. West Ham United are in advanced talks to sign the Belgium midfielder, and Celtic are already looking at Gineitis as a replacement after he made 29 Serie A appearances for Torino last season. Gineitis was first linked with a move to Celtic Park in January, and the Hoops have now rekindled that interest. According to Italian transfer insider Nicolo Schira, the next step is a fresh proposal to Torino, who currently value the player at between €14m and €15m. Should he move to Glasgow in that price range, the 22-year-old would surpass Kasper Hogh as Celtic's record signing. The player's agent, Dmitry Vinokurov, has confirmed Torino are open to selling if the right offer arrives before the summer window closes, though he made clear that a bargain deal is not realistic. "Torino holds Gvidas in high regard and believes in his future," Vinokurov said. "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." Gineitis himself is staying grounded about the speculation. "I don't look to the future. I just work every day. We'll see what happens after each year. When I was a kid, I just dreamed of playing football professionally. Now that's what I do," he said.