Celtic have seen a £3.5 million bid for Sandefjord defender Zinedin Smajlovic rejected, according to a report from Greek outlet Gazzetta.gr. The Norwegian Eliteserien club is holding out for a figure closer to £4.3 million for the 22-year-old Swedish centre-back.
Smajlovic, a former Lecce youth player, joined Sandefjord last year and has quickly attracted interest from several clubs. Celtic and Greek side Olympiakos both submitted offers of up to £3.5 million, but Sandefjord swiftly turned them down.
Celtic's Defensive Recruitment Plans
With manager Martin O'Neill staying for another season, Celtic are focusing on recruitment, particularly in defence. The Hoops are also tracking Poland international Oskar Wojcik, a 22-year-old defender from KS Cracovia. Reports from Poland indicate that Celtic had a £3.5 million bid for Wojcik rejected in January, but Cracovia chiefs have hinted they may sell this summer.
Wojcik himself has expressed a desire to advance his career. He said: "Simply put, if an offer comes along with an interesting plan, a vision for development, we'll consider it. It's not like I hear a name, the first club that comes along, and I already want to leave Poland. All of this needs to be thoroughly analyzed. The most important thing is that I don't want to join a club just to be there. I want to play and become a better player."
He added: "My heart definitely tells me to stay at Cracovia, because it's my club, which has great and supportive fans. I never imagined I could get so much from the fans. On the other hand... there are dreams. I've always imagined playing in one of the five best leagues in Europe."
Transfer Window Activity
Celtic are expected to be active in the summer transfer window, with defensive reinforcements a priority. The club has been linked with a number of players as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
