Celtic are reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign Algeria international winger Fares Ghedjemis from Serie B side Frosinone, with the Italian club open to negotiations despite having no urgent need to sell the 23-year-old.
Frosinone are said to be holding out for a fee in the region of 9.5 million euros for Ghedjemis, a figure that would require an eight-figure outlay from any interested party. Club president Maurizio Stirpe has indicated that while Frosinone are under no pressure to part with the winger, they would be willing to entertain serious offers.
Celtic are not alone in their admiration for the player, with Rangers also credited with interest in bringing Ghedjemis to Scotland. The competition between the two Glasgow rivals could complicate matters as the summer transfer window progresses, particularly given the substantial fee Frosinone are seeking.
Elsewhere in Celtic's transfer business, the Scottish champions are said to be in contention to extend the loan spell of Brentford defender Benjamin Arthur. The 20-year-old previously spent time with Celtic and the Bees are reportedly willing to sanction another temporary move to Parkhead.
Celtic have also fielded interest in one of their own players, with Dundee reportedly considering defender Dane Murray as a potential target. However, the champions are understood to have no appetite for loaning out the 23-year-old this summer, suggesting he remains part of manager plans for the season ahead.
Meanwhile, Marcelo Saracchi's time in Scottish football appears to have come to an end. The 28-year-old left-back, who spent last season on loan at Celtic from Boca Juniors, had been the subject of speculation regarding a possible return to Glasgow. Instead, reports indicate Saracchi has completed a move to Major League Soccer outfit Houston Dynamo, closing the door on any potential reunion with Celtic.
In other Scottish football news, free agent left-back Enes Alic has found a new club after agreeing terms with St Johnstone. The 26-year-old will link up with the Perth outfit ahead of the new campaign, bolstering their options in defence.
Across the border in continental competition, Scotland international defender Scott McKenna enjoyed a productive night with Dinamo Zagreb. McKenna, who has recently been linked with a move to Rangers, found the net as Dinamo cruised to a 5-0 victory over Kauno Zalgiris in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie. The centre-back's goal came as Dinamo took a commanding lead in their pursuit of Champions League group-stage football, and his continued involvement in continental action may only heighten interest from suitors back in Scotland.
As the transfer window continues to develop, both Celtic and Rangers appear active in the market, with the pursuit of Ghedjemis likely to be a significant storyline in the coming weeks. Frosinone's willingness to negotiate, despite not needing to sell, suggests a deal could be reached if either Scottish club is prepared to meet their valuation.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport, Sebastien Vidal, Glasgow Times, Scotsman, Football Insider, Courier and National.