CELTIC have failed in a £4.5million move for Croatian superkid Luka Ivanusec, according to reports in his homeland.
The Hoops are said to have spied on the 20-year-old Lokomotiv Zagreb midfielder and prepared a bid to take the talented youngster to Parkhead.
Greek giants Olympiakos were also interested in Ivanusec, but were not prepared to match the fee from the eight-in-a-row champions.
The smooth operator, however, opted to remain in Croatia after a late offer from city rivals Dinamo Zagreb was accepted.
Apparently, Ivanusec was keen to work alongside their coach Nenad Bjelica and he agreed a five-year deal to thwart the attempts of Celtic and Olympiakos.
Lennon’s search for recruitments will continue until a fortnight today when the transfer deadline arrives.
The Hoops gaffer unveiled his fifth summer signing at the weekend when Republic of Ireland Under-19 international left-sided striker Jonathan Afolabi agreed a two-year deal, as CQN reported.
The teenager, who rejected an extension offer from Southampton, was in the crowd at Parkhead to see the holders overcome Championship side Dunfermline 2-1 in extra-time to claim their place against Partick Thistle in next month’s home quarter-final.
