Celtic have moved to strengthen their position in the race for Zinedin Smajlovic, tabling an improved offer believed to be worth €4.5m plus €2m in add-ons.
Rudy Galetti reports that Celtic have now upped the ante with Rangers, Fenerbahçe and Feyenoord all ‘closely tracking’ the defender.
The bid places Celtic closer to Sandefjord’s valuation for the 22-year-old centre-back, but the situation remains open with multiple European clubs still monitoring developments.
👀 A reasonable figure?
Celtic move into Sandefjord valuation range for Smajlovic
Celtic’s revised offer marks a clear step forward in negotiations, moving into the €4.5m bracket plus performance-related bonuses.
Earlier offers in the region of €3.5m were turned down, with Sandefjord holding firm on a valuation understood to sit between €4.5m and €5m.
Smajlovic remains under a long-term contract in Norway, meaning Sandefjord are under no pressure to sell unless their valuation is met in full.
Celtic face European competition for Smajlovic after improved bid
Celtic are not alone in chasing the defender, with Olympiacos, Lyon, Toulouse and Hull City all interested in the 22-year-old defender.
However, this leaves Sandefjord in a strong negotiating position, with multiple clubs capable of matching or beating Celtic’s offer.
For Celtic, the improved bid ensures they remain at the forefront of the speculation, but with so many clubs interested, this could force the final price up.
The next move sits with Sandefjord, who must decide whether to accept Celtic’s offer or wait and see if any of the interested clubs make their move.
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